The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations on the restoration of Ogoniland, Rivers State.
Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, gave the assurance yesterday during activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Ogoni cleanup at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration at Wiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area.
Lawal, who unveiled a remodelled monument commemorating the flag-off of the cleanup, said the Federal Government remained determined to restore the environment and improve the health and livelihoods of the people of Ogoni.
He said the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) was central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
“HYPREP is part of the President’s agenda, clearly stated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. Therefore, we are trying to meet the President’s expectations,” the minister said.
He added: “We understand the pain of the past, but we are also focused on building a better future for the health and well-being of all Ogoni people and creating a healthy environment for them. We want to improve livelihoods and also restore the health of Ogoniland.”
The minister acknowledged the contribution of former Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, now Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, to the actualisation of the cleanup programme.
According to him, the monument unveiled at Bodo would serve as a reminder that the Federal Government had not abandoned Ogoniland.
“Ten years ago, in this very place, the flag-off of the Ogoni Cleanup was performed. Today, we return to reaffirm that commitment,” he said.
Lawal urged Ogoni stakeholders to support HYPREP and avoid actions capable of disrupting its operations, warning that division, sabotage and misinformation could delay the delivery of benefits to the people.
He said HYPREP had a lifespan but expressed optimism that the project could secure an extension to complete its mandate.
Earlier, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said the project had recorded significant progress since 2023, following its elevation to a national priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Zabbey listed environmental remediation, mangrove restoration, potable water supply, healthcare, livelihood restoration, peacebuilding and infrastructure development among the areas where HYPREP had made progress.
He disclosed that HYPREP had created more than 8,500 direct jobs for Ogoni youths and women, following the employment of another 1,420 community workers under the Phase Two shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration programme.
Zabbey also announced the gradual return of fish and other aquatic species in restored areas, describing the development as evidence that environmental restoration efforts were yielding results.
He said the Ogoni mangrove wetland had also been designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance.
However, the HYPREP coordinator warned shoreline communities against overharvesting and indiscriminate mangrove cutting, saying such practices could undermine the gains recorded in ecological restoration.
He described the Ogoni cleanup as the world’s largest remediation project and its mangrove restoration programme as the largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves.
The 10th anniversary activities also featured the unveiling of the cleanup monument, the flag-off of Phase Two shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration, and the presentation of International Maritime Organisation and swimming certificates to 1,420 community workers.
Blessing Ibunge
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