Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s flagship environmental restoration programme in Ogoniland has reached critical delivery milestones, with the first phase of shoreline remediation nearing completion and key infrastructure projects advancing rapidly, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has disclosed.
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, revealed this during a project review meeting with key Ogoni stakeholders in Port Harcourt, saying the clean-up has moved beyond planning into measurable, verifiable execution across remediation, water, health, power and livelihood sectors.
“Phase one shoreline remediation has reached 72.7 per cent completion, mangrove restoration is at 99 per cent, while soil and groundwater remediation of medium-risk complex sites stands at 39.01 per cent,” Zabbey said.
He described the progress as a clear indication that the Ogoni clean-up, declared a national priority under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is steadily transitioning into large-scale environmental recovery and development.
On potable water delivery, Zabbey disclosed that 16 water facilities with booster stations have been completed, supplying clean water to 42 Ogoni communities, while 29 additional facilities are currently under construction.
“Access to clean water remains a core public health priority for HYPREP, and we are committed to ensuring affected communities are sustainably served,” he stated.
He also outlined significant progress on healthcare and infrastructure projects, noting that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital is 78.2 per cent completed, the Buan Cottage Hospital 98.5 per cent, while the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration stands at 93.5 per cent completion.
According to him, the Ogoni Power Project, designed to support economic revival and energy access, has reached 61.13 per cent completion.
Zabbey further disclosed that HYPREP is working with the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, of the World Health Organisation on public health studies, alongside plans to distribute ambulances and strengthen healthcare outreach across Ogoniland.
While acknowledging challenges, including recent incidents at water facilities in Gwara and Ebubu, the Project Coordinator said remedial actions were already underway.
“Water supply has been restored in Ebubu, and we are making concerted efforts to restore supply in Gwara while addressing the root causes,” he said, adding that issues such as land disputes, vandalism and threats of re-pollution were being handled with “diligence and responsibility.”
Looking ahead, Zabbey announced that Phase Two of shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration, Phase Three water projects, and characterisation of high-risk complex sites will commence in January 2026, creating over 1,500 new direct jobs, in addition to the 7,000 jobs already generated.
He stressed that the Ogoni clean-up transcends environmental remediation.
“This project is not only about environmental restoration; it is also a peace-building, capacity-building and development effort for the Ogoni people,” Zabbey said.
He called on stakeholders to sustain unity and support for HYPREP, noting ongoing efforts to secure Ramsar Site status for Ogoni mangrove wetlands.
“HYPREP has become a rallying point for Ogoni development, and its success depends on collective responsibility,” he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated, Emmanuel Deeyah, advocated for unity and support for the Project Coordinator, while appealing to the people of Ogoni to reach out to HYPREP over any dissatisfaction with the project, instead of using the media to tear down..
”Today is for Professor Nenibarini, tomorrow it may be you, now that he’s here please and please again let all of us give him our support, if you find that there is something that he’s doing or that the project is doing that is not right, find a way to reach him or those who can talk to him instead of going to the press or social media.”
