President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday with a delegation of Ogoni leaders, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

The meeting also had in attendance the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and other government officials and aides.

This development follows demands by a coalition of civil society organisations for the Federal Government to allocate $1 trillion for the cleanup of the Niger Delta and compensation for lost livelihoods before the resumption of crude oil production in Ogoniland.

The meeting occurred amidst a prolonged feud between Fubara and Wike, who were previously political allies. Wike is the immediate past governor of the oil-rich South-South state.

Following the discussions, President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate negotiations with key stakeholders in Ogoniland to facilitate the resumption of oil production in the region.

The President emphasised his administration’s commitment to peace, justice, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta. He urged the Ogoni people to embrace reconciliation, set aside historical grievances, and work collaboratively towards peace, progress, and environmental restoration.

“We cannot rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies from the past moving forward. We cannot heal wounds if we remain consumed by anger,” Tinubu remarked, according to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

He added: “We must build mutual trust, consult widely, and embrace inclusivity. Let us make this journey worthwhile by restoring peace, fostering development, and achieving a clean environment in Ogoniland.”