Precious Anga
Lagos — The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has highlighted significant achievements in the cleanup and restoration of Ogoniland, saying a decade of intervention is beginning to deliver measurable environmental and socio-economic benefits across the region.
As the project marks 10 years since the Federal Government formally launched the Ogoni cleanup on June 2, 2016, HYPREP said sustained remediation efforts have led to the revival of degraded ecosystems, expansion of clean water access, improved healthcare infrastructure and increased economic opportunities for local communities.
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said the initiative has moved beyond its foundation stage into a phase of large-scale implementation, driven by collaboration with communities, government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders.
According to him, environmental remediation remains at the heart of the project, with substantial progress recorded in the restoration of oil-impacted sites across Ogoniland.
Zabbey disclosed that 30 of the 65 polluted sites identified by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for remediation have been successfully completed, while remediation work is ongoing at 17 medium-risk sites. Detailed assessments are also advancing on the remaining high-risk locations in preparation for cleanup activities.
One of HYPREP’s most notable achievements has been the restoration of mangrove ecosystems damaged by decades of hydrocarbon pollution. The project said it is currently implementing what is regarded as the world’s largest oil-degraded mangrove restoration programme.
More than 1.5 million mangrove seedlings, including red, white and black mangrove species, have been planted across affected shoreline areas. The restoration programme has already covered over 560 hectares, contributing to the gradual return of biodiversity and the recovery of fishing activities in coastal communities.
The project also reported the successful cleanup of more than 1,000 hectares of shoreline, while Phase Two of the mangrove restoration and shoreline rehabilitation programme is currently underway.
Beyond environmental restoration, HYPREP said it has expanded access to potable water across Ogoniland. A total of 49 communities have now been connected through multiple water schemes and booster stations designed to provide safe and reliable drinking water to residents.
In the healthcare sector, the project said construction of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and a 43-bed cottage hospital is nearing completion. It has also renovated and equipped several health facilities and donated ambulances to strengthen emergency response services within the region.
To better understand the long-term health implications of environmental pollution, HYPREP has launched a comprehensive human health biomonitoring study in partnership with the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation.
The project further noted that economic empowerment and capacity building have become central pillars of its intervention strategy. According to HYPREP, more than 7,000 direct jobs have been created through its programmes, while over 5,000 youths and women have received training in specialised vocational and technical skills.
Beneficiaries have been trained in fields including mechatronics, cybersecurity, full-stack software development, commercial diving, underwater welding, maritime operations, solar installation, data analytics and offshore oil and gas services. Many participants were also provided with start-up kits to support their businesses.
In the education sector, HYPREP said it has established environmental clubs in secondary schools, supported undergraduate internship programmes and awarded scholarships and educational grants to more than 1,000 students from Ogoni communities.
The project also disclosed that its socio-economic assessment of Ogoniland has been completed, with the report expected to be released in the coming weeks. Other support programmes include grants to small businesses and vocational training for persons living with disabilities.
Zabbey said HYPREP is also investing in legacy projects designed to support long-term development, including the Ogoni Power Project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, which has reached 96 per cent completion.
He reaffirmed the project’s commitment to fully implementing UNEP’s recommendations while strengthening international partnerships to ensure sustainable environmental recovery and economic development in Ogoniland.
As the cleanup programme enters its second decade, HYPREP called on stakeholders to continue supporting efforts aimed at restoring the environment, improving livelihoods and securing a healthier future for communities across Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta region.
