HYPREP defends environmental restoration efforts in Ogoniland before Lawmakers

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has defended its
environmental restoration efforts in Ogoniland before the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Mismanagement of Oil Spill Clean-up Funds in the Niger Delta.

The Project stated that there is so much intervention effort that has been achieved and steady progress in site remediation, livelihood empowerment, and water projects.

The Project Coordinator Professor Nenibarini Zabbey appearing before the Hon. Okpolump Etteh-led committee, disclosed that the funds were allocated for the cleanup which have been judiciously utilized in line with the recommendations of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland.

Zabbey revealed that 17 contaminated sites have been successfully remediated, while 65 others are at various stages of assessment and cleanup reflecting the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to restoring the Niger Delta environment.

He stressed that beyond remediation, HYPREP has expanded its mandate to include livelihood restoration, health interventions, and infrastructure development aimed at improving the lives of Ogoni residents affected by decades of oil pollution.

He further explained in detailed its progress across critical sectors, reaffirming government commitment to environmental recovery and sustainable development in Ogoniland.

HYPREP highlighted the deployment of advanced cleanup technologies, including renewable reactive barriers and non-intrusive remediation methods, to address complex and high-risk areas while preserving homes, shrines, and cultural heritage sites.

“Thousands of Ogoni youths and women have also benefited from skills acquisition programs in agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy, tailoring, and ICT designed to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce dependence on oil-related activities”.

He emphasized that in its efforts to improve access to clean water, HYPREP has rehabilitated and constructed community water schemes across the four Ogoni local government areas, giving residents access to safe and potable drinking water.

Speaking on health and environmental initiatives,the project has organized medical outreaches and upgraded health facilities to address pollution related illnesses and strengthen healthcare delivery in impacted communities.

Zabbey emphasized that all project procedures follow strict transparency standards and international best practices, noting that some activities required selective procurement due to their technical complexity.

“Our work goes beyond cleaning up oil spills,” he told lawmakers. “We are rebuilding livelihoods, restoring confidence, and creating a sustainable environmental legacy for the Ogoni people.”

Meanwhile, The Ad Hoc Committee members commended HYPREP’s progress but urged the agency to ensure full compliance with financial and monitoring regulations, including engaging independent experts and civil society groups in its evaluation processes.

Despite raised queries, the committee acknowledged that the Ogoni cleanup remains one of the most ambitious environmental restoration projects in Africa, with HYPREP playing a critical role in balancing remediation, community empowerment, and transparency.