The Federal Government has praised the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for the significant progress made in the Ogoni cleanup initiative, labelling the effort as one of the key outcomes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. A top-level group from the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment, recently completed a two-day evaluation trip to several project locations throughout Ogoniland in Rivers State.
The team, headed by CRDCU Coordinator Esege Ebei-Esege on behalf of the President’s Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, assessed the execution of remediation, infrastructure, and livelihood initiatives. Ebei-Esege characterised the projects as remarkable and pointed out that HYPREP, led by Project Coordinator Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has made significant progress in only two years.
He commended the supportive working atmosphere fostered by Ogoni communities and their deep sense of project ownership, which has significantly aided in the smooth implementation. The CRDCU also committed to establishing stronger connections and collaborations between HYPREP and pertinent intergovernmental organisations to expedite project execution and finalisation.
Professor Zabbey welcomed the visit, noting that it allowed the team to observe concrete advancements in the field. He emphasised important achievements, such as notable progress in Phase 1 of the mangrove restoration and shoreline remediation initiatives. He disclosed that preparations are in progress for the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to start training and certifying community workers for Phase 2 of the shoreline remediation project, with the roster of participants currently being assembled from impacted communities.
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Also mentioned that the K.Dere water facility is finished and ready for inauguration, whereas the designation of the Ogoni Wetlands as a Ramsar Site of International Importance is progressing this year. The Ogoni Power Project is advancing consistently, with the installation of two 60 MVA transformers and their supporting towers already finished at the Bodo Transmission Sub-station.
The Project Coordinator highlighted that HYPREP is concurrently addressing every facet of the UNEP recommendations while enhancing global understanding of environmental remediation and restoration. This encompasses groundbreaking research that aligns with national goals for food security and plastic reduction, including the implementation of biodegradable “growcoons” bags for mangrove planting as an alternative to traditional plastics.
In collaboration with an Indian biotechnology company, the initiative has identified advantageous microbes indigenous to Ogoni to create a biofertilizer solution. Field trials have shown notable increases in crop production on sites that were previously remediated. Professor Zabbey emphasised that a project of this scale must enhance scientific knowledge, stating, “We cannot engage in a project of such magnitude without aiding in the global advancement of remediation science.”
Engineer Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, the representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company/Joint Venture in HYPREP, voiced assurance that the senior-level visit would boost the pace of implementation. He reaffirmed Renaissance’s complete dedication to aiding the Ogoni cleanup initiative and appreciated the show of solid federal support.
The evaluation encompassed a broad array of locations, overseen by Prof. Damian-Paul Aguiyi, Director of Technical Services. These comprised the Buan Cottage Hospital, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, power installations at Wiiyaakara and Bodo Transmission Sub-stations, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), water systems at Eteo and Ebubu, finished and active remediation projects in Botem, Ogale, and Nsisionoken, along with mangrove restoration and shoreline rehabilitation areas in Bomu and K.Dere.
