President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate negotiations with various parties within Ogoniland in the oil-rich Niger Delta area to resume oil production in the area.

The President, who gave the directive in Abuja when he received Ogoni leaders including Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Aso Villa, said his administration would prioritise peace, justice, and sustainable development in the area. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was also at the meeting.

Tinubu called for unity and reconciliation, urging the Ogoni people to set aside historical grievances and work together to achieve peace, development, and a clean environment.

“We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

“We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others. We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland,” the President said.