The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing environmental degradation in Ogoniland on Tuesday, 16th September, in Abuja. The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has made notable progress in remediation efforts, but activists argue that more needs to be done.
This happens months after the traditional ruler of Barako Ancient Community, His Royal Highness Kadilo Kabari, demanded implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights during a festival. He sought justice, resumed oil development in Yormene well 13, and offered land for a gas-powered infrastructure, leveraging Barako’s abundant gas reserves.
Activists and civil society organizations have also been calling on the Federal Government to allocate $1 trillion for the cleanup of oil-polluted lands in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
A demand was made during a press conference in Lagos, where the groups emphasized and demanded a thorough and transparent cleanup of Ogoni land and the entire Niger Delta, that multinational oil companies must pay reparations for environmental damage and reverse divestment plans, the protection of communities’ rights to dignity, clean water, safe air, and an immediate halt to oil exploration in Ogoniland and demilitarization of the Niger Delta.
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However, Lawal, who chairs the Governing Council of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Ogoni cleanup project.
He emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and urgency in delivering the mandate. Lawal called for synergy between the HYPREP Governing Council and the Ogoni Trust Fund Board of Trustees to ensure timely implementation.
He urged stakeholders to work collaboratively to accelerate the project and strengthen institutions. The BOT Chairman pledged to deliver on the board’s functions and ensure the timely payment of contractors.
“The world is watching. We must rise to the occasion and deliver on the mandate with transparency, accountability, and urgency. The Ogoni clean-up is not only a national duty but also an international model for environmental justice” Lawal said.
