The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has announced that the agency’s ongoing mangrove restoration effort in Ogoniland has reached 91% completion.
Prof. Zabbey made the disclosure while receiving members of the Ogoni Mothers’ Union during a solidarity visit to HYPREP’s office in Port Harcourt. He emphasized that the cleanup has already started yielding visible environmental benefits, including the return of aquatic life to the once-devastated mangroves.
“The restoration effort is clearly visible. If you visit the creeks today, you will find women and young people returning with periwinkles and fish. This was not the case before. Although the process is still ongoing, it is encouraging to see progress in reviving the ecosystem.”
He explained that HYPREP’s mandate covers the remediation of oil-contaminated land and wetlands in Ogoniland, restoration of livelihoods, and the promotion of peacebuilding, transparency, and accountability.
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According to him, the agency is currently focused on remediating medium-risk complex sites, having completed simple sites. The next phase will involve tackling high-risk sites located within residential areas.
As part of its broader intervention, HYPREP is also carrying out shoreline clean-up across 34 designated lots and restoring an initial 560 hectares of mangrove forest.
“Our mangrove restoration is unique and progressing very well. As of this week, we have reached 91% completion. One of the clear indicators of success is the enhancement of fisheries, which is directly improving local livelihoods. We are documenting all progress as we go,” Prof. Zabbey added.
He also revealed that the return of certain fish species, including the previously absent ‘monitor’ points to the improving health of the ecosystem. Field stock assessments have been conducted with community input to track fish populations and meet local expectations.
Beyond ecological restoration, the HYPREP coordinator highlighted significant strides in improving access to potable water. “Two years ago, when I assumed office, only one water project was functional. Today, we have three, and the number of communities with access to potable water has increased from two to 30,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Honourable Minister of Environment is scheduled to visit Ogoniland in early July to commission four additional water facilities, which will raise the number of benefiting communities to 40.
“Our target is that by the end of 2025, at least 65 communities in Ogoniland will have access to potable water. The Honourable Minister has made it clear that every Ogoni community must be reached,” he emphasized.
In her remarks, the President of the Ogoni Mothers’ Union, Chief Priscila Vikue, passed a vote of confidence on Prof. Zabbey, applauding his tireless efforts in restoring the Ogoni environment.
“Sir, you have made Ogoni mothers proud. Your commitment is restoring dignity to our land. For this, we stand with you and urge you to stay strong and focused in completing this noble assignment,” she stated.
The HYPREP initiative, which is part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations, continues to drive environmental recovery in one of Nigeria’s most polluted regions.
