HYPREP celebrates 10 years of Ogoni cleanup, Records major environmental, economic gains

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has highlighted a decade of significant achievements in the restoration of environmental integrity and the socio-economic development of Ogoniland, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, disclosed this on Wednesday during activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Ogoni Cleanup Programme.

According to him, the Ogoni Cleanup was formally launched by the Federal Government on June 2, 2016, at the Bodo Waterfront, while the HYPREP Project Coordination Office was established in February 2017 to coordinate the implementation of the programme.

Zabbey said the project has evolved from its foundational stages into a high-impact intervention, delivering tangible results across its core mandate areas.

He noted that the successes recorded over the years were made possible through sustained collaboration with the Ogoni people and other stakeholders, including regulators, government agencies, international oil companies and civil society organisations.

“We appreciate the support of our local and international partners and remain committed to the comprehensive remediation of hydrocarbon-impacted environments and the restoration of livelihoods in affected communities,” he said.

Highlighting key achievements, Zabbey said HYPREP has successfully completed remediation of 30 out of the 65 sites investigated and recommended by UNEP for cleanup. He added that remediation works are ongoing at 17 medium-risk complex sites, while detailed characterisation of the remaining 18 high-risk sites is progressing toward remediation.

He described HYPREP’s mangrove restoration programme as the largest oil-degraded mangrove restoration effort in the world. According to him, over 1.5 million mangrove seedlings of different species have been planted, while more than 1,000 hectares of shoreline have been cleaned and 560 hectares restored with thriving multi-species mangroves, resulting in biodiversity recovery and improved fisheries.

On potable water supply, Zabbey said 49 communities have been connected through various water schemes and booster stations, with additional wind-powered water facilities constructed in remote communities to ensure inclusive access to safe drinking water.

In the health sector, he disclosed that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and a 43-bed Cottage Hospital are nearing completion. He added that three hospitals and a health centre have been upgraded, while four additional health facilities are currently undergoing renovation and equipment installation.

To strengthen emergency healthcare delivery, HYPREP has donated five ambulances to four general hospitals and a health centre in Ogoniland. The project has also commenced a three-year human health biomonitoring study being conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organisation.

The Project Coordinator further noted that HYPREP has continued to align its activities with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by integrating environmental remediation with human capital development.

He revealed that more than 7,000 direct jobs have been created, while thousands of Ogoni youths and women have received training in vocational, technical and climate-smart agricultural skills.

According to him, beneficiaries have been trained in specialised fields such as Creative Arts, Cabin Crew Services, Seafaring, Mechatronics, Commercial Diving, Underwater Welding, Cybersecurity, Full Stack Development, GIS Mapping and other high-demand professions.

Additionally, over 5,000 youths and women have been trained in 21 different skill areas and provided with start-up kits to support self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Zabbey said HYPREP has also established 31 environmental clubs in secondary schools, launched internship programmes for undergraduates and trained more than 2,500 youths with International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification for participation in shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration activities.

Other social interventions include educational grants and scholarships for over 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, business support grants for 60 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and specialised skills training for 300 persons living with disabilities.

He noted that the engagement of 1,000 youths in civil security initiatives, alongside conflict resolution efforts by the Central Representative Advisory Committee (CRAC), has contributed significantly to peacebuilding and security in the region.

The Project Coordinator also highlighted progress on major legacy projects, including the Ogoni Power Project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), which is currently 96 per cent completed.

He further announced that the Ogoniland Wetland has recently been designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance by the Convention on Wetlands Secretariat, describing the recognition as a major milestone in environmental conservation.

According to him, HYPREP has already commenced implementation of a five-year interim management plan for the wetland and recently launched a bird survey across the Ogoni creeks to support biodiversity conservation efforts.

Looking ahead, Zabbey reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of all UNEP recommendations while strengthening partnerships with international organisations, diplomatic missions and private sector stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainable development of Ogoniland.

He commended the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Environment, international oil companies, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and the Ogoni people for their support and ownership of the cleanup process.

“As we commemorate ten years of the Ogoni Cleanup, we call on all stakeholders to continue promoting peace, harmony and cooperation as we work together to restore the land, health and dignity of the Ogoni people and the wider Niger Delta region,” he said.