By Fatima Saka
As part of efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Ogoni Clean-up Programme, the Federal Government, through the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) and the Ministry of Environment, has commended the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for its notable progress across project sites in Ogoni.
The two-day field visit, led by CRDCU Coordinator Esege Ebei-Esege on behalf of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, evaluated HYPREP’s interventions, describing them as key high-impact deliverables under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ebei-Esege lauded HYPREP under Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey for achieving significant milestones in just two years, highlighting the strong ownership and support from Ogoni communities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on the Ogoni environment, while pledging to strengthen partnerships between HYPREP and intergovernmental agencies to fast-track project completion.
Reacting to the visit, Prof. Zabbey expressed delight, noting that CRDCU officials were able to witness physical projects and livelihood interventions firsthand. He highlighted key achievements, including the completion of Phase 1 of the Mangrove Restoration and Shoreline Remediation projects, the imminent start of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) training for community workers for Phase 2, and the readiness of the K.Dere Water facility for inauguration.
Prof. Zabbey also disclosed that the Ogoni Wetlands will be designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance this year, and the Ogoni Power Project is advancing steadily with the installation of two 60 MVA transformers at the Bodo Transmission Sub-station. Innovative research initiatives are ongoing, including the development of biodegradable growcoons to replace plastics in mangrove planting and biofertilizers formulated from indigenous Ogoni microbes, which have shown significant improvements in crop yield on remediated sites.
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The visit included inspections of major project sites such as Buan Cottage Hospital, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Ogoni Power Projects, CEER, Eteo and Ebubu Water Stations, Phase 1 and 2 remediation lots in Botem and Ogale, high-risk complex sites, and mangrove and shoreline restoration sites.
The exercise concluded with a debriefing session with project heads, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to a timely and sustainable clean-up of Ogoni, while advancing global knowledge on environmental remediation.
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