The Federal Government has commended the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for achievements recorded in the ongoing Ogoni cleanup exercise in Rivers State, while urging the agency to initiate new remediation projects.
The commendation was given by the Coordinator of the Central Resource Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) in the Office of the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, Esege Ebei, during an inspection of HYPREP projects in Khana, Gokana and Tai Local Government Areas.
Projects inspected included Buan Cottage Hospital, Wiiyaakara Power Substation, Ogoni Centre of Excellence, Bodo Power Substation, a remediated site at Botem community, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Kaani, and a water project in Onne, Eteo community.
Speaking after the inspection, Ebei said the CRDCU is responsible for tracking the implementation of government projects, policies and programmes across ministries, departments and agencies in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the visit was aimed at assessing projects implemented by HYPREP over the last two years, noting that while significant progress had been made, the focus should now shift to new remediation sites.
“We have seen a lot of projects being implemented by HYPREP, including hospitals, power projects, centres of excellence and remediation sites. However, most of these projects have been ongoing within the last two years. Going forward, we want to see new remediation sites being initiated and tracked from start to completion,” he said.
Ebei noted that HYPREP requires increased support and commended host communities for their peaceful disposition and sense of ownership, which he said contributed to the success of the projects.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between HYPREP and other government agencies to enhance project delivery.
HYPREP Project Lead for Renaissance, Mr. Ehiozie Igbinomwanhia, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work observed, reaffirming Renaissance’s commitment to supporting the Ogoni cleanup in line with the 2011 UNEP report.
“I have seen good quality work being done, both in livelihood support projects and remediation works. Renaissance remains committed to supporting HYPREP to ensure Ogoni communities regain their livelihoods,” he said.
Earlier, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, thanked the inspection team, noting that on-site visits provide better insight than written reports.
He disclosed that HYPREP is currently handling over 100 cleanup sites in Ogoni, creating jobs for more than 7,000 youths and women, while implementing soil and groundwater remediation, shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration, alternative livelihood programmes and public health interventions.
Zabbey added that the mangrove restoration pilot phase covers 560 hectares of degraded mangrove swamps and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s climate change mitigation commitments.
Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
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