Precious Anga
Lagos — Nigeria is intensifying efforts to secure international donor support for the $6 billion Ogoniland clean-up project as funding challenges continue to slow remediation work in the oil-polluted region.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, said the country has struggled to mobilise enough resources for the environmental restoration despite earning more than ₦1.3 quadrillion from oil and gas between 1999 and 2023, according to data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
The clean-up programme was established following recommendations by the United Nations Environment Programme, which proposed a 30-year remediation plan requiring about ₦1.6 trillion every five years.
Chairman of the Ogoni Trust Fund Board of Trustees, Emmanuel Deeyah, said while initial contributions were secured from the Federal Government and oil firms, parts of the expected funding remain unpaid, with no commitment yet for additional financing phases.
He disclosed that HYPREP is now engaging donor agencies, development partners and diplomatic organisations to attract financial and technical support, adding that a high-level donor conference has been scheduled later this month.
The development comes as international oil companies continue divesting from onshore operations in the Niger Delta, raising concerns about long-term environmental accountability in affected communities.
HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said over 130 remediation and development projects have either been completed or are ongoing across Ogoniland, including water supply, healthcare, environmental restoration and infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited empowered 3,000 women from pipeline host communities across Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia states with grants ranging from ₦250,000 to ₦1 million to support businesses and livelihoods.
Stakeholders also urged youths in pipeline communities to maintain peace and avoid activities capable of disrupting oil production in the Niger Delta.
