President Bola Tinubu has approved a new leadership structure for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). He also reconstituted both its Governing Council and Board of Trustees.
The announcement was made last night by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The new Governing Council will be led by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, as chairman.
The council also includes representatives from various stakeholders, namely Loanyie Barituka Victor for environmental NGOs; Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure for Niger Delta communities; Prof. Barinedum Nwibere and Baride Gwezia for the Ogoni community; and Gideon Onyebuwa and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse for oil-producing states.
Additionally, the President named four alternate members: Dr Abraham Olungwe and Maeba Ekpobari for Ogoniland, and Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei for the Niger Delta.
The HYPREP Board of Trustees will be chaired by the reappointed Emmanuel Deeyah, with other members including Fred Igwe and Dr Fred Kpakol representing Ogoni communities and stakeholders; Mrs Dorcas Amos representing other Niger Delta communities; and Chief Jide Damazio, who was also reappointed, representing environmental NGOs.
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This move follows a meeting Tinubu held in January with key stakeholders from Rivers State, including local leaders and government officials.
The meeting focused on the Niger Delta cleanup and political issues in the state. High-profile attendees included the Chief of Staff, the National Security Adviser, and other senior officials.
HYPREP has also received international backing. In March, the Belgian government reaffirmed its commitment to the Ogoni cleanup project and to addressing the region’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.
The United Nations also pledged technical support for crucial areas such as mangrove restoration, climate change mitigation, food security, and public health, recognising that HYPREP’s mission aligns with the UN’s own goals.
