By Fatima Saka
As Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has described the ongoing Ogoni environmental restoration as a results-driven model for climate action and sustainable development.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, made this known in a statement issued on Friday to mark the global event themed, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For our Future.”
Zabbey emphasized that the Ogoni cleanup, guided by recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), reflects Nigeria’s commitment to tackling climate change while restoring degraded ecosystems in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the project has made significant progress in restoring the socio-ecological landscape of Ogoniland through shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration, remediation of polluted soil and groundwater, as well as the provision of potable water and livelihood support programmes.
He noted that HYPREP’s large-scale mangrove restoration initiative is reviving what is regarded as the world’s largest oil-degraded mangrove ecosystem, with millions of native mangroves already planted.
“The restoration of mangroves is not only bringing back biodiversity but also reviving fish breeding grounds and supporting the return of aquatic life such as fish, crabs, oysters, and periwinkles,” Zabbey said.
He further explained that the regenerated mangrove forests are playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change, while also opening opportunities for carbon credit financing to sustain community-based conservation efforts.
Zabbey highlighted the project’s socio-economic impact, noting that thousands of Ogoni youths and women have been engaged as mangrove planters, nursery operators, and environmental monitors under the Mangrove Vanguards initiative.
He added that community ownership remains central to the project’s success, with local surveillance teams and traditional rulers actively involved in protecting restored sites and preventing re-pollution and illegal activities such as artisanal refining.
Reaffirming HYPREP’s commitment, the Project Coordinator said the agency would continue to accelerate remediation efforts while investing in sustainable livelihoods, including agriculture and vocational training, to enhance economic resilience in impacted communities.
He also stressed the importance of environmental education and advocacy, noting that HYPREP has established environmental clubs in schools and intensified grassroots sensitisation campaigns to promote a culture of conservation.
Zabbey disclosed that the Ogoni wetlands have been designated a Ramsar Site of international importance, further underscoring the global significance of the restoration efforts.
He called on stakeholders, including community leaders, the Niger Delta population, and the international community, to support HYPREP’s mission to restore and safeguard the environment.
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“HYPREP remains resolute in ensuring that the Ogoni people live in a safe, healthy, and economically vibrant environment,” he said.
The World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise awareness and spur global action on pressing environmental issues.
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