By Faridat Salifu
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has presented a mid-term performance scorecard to stakeholders in Port Harcourt, detailing progress made under the Ogoni clean-up programme.
Speaking at recent multi-stakeholder forum, Zabbey said the presentation reflected the agency’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The meeting, attended by traditional rulers, community groups, academics, and former political leaders, focused on HYPREP’s work across remediation, health, water supply, livelihoods, and institutional development.
Zabbey noted that 50 remediation lots have been certified and officially closed by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) across 17 UNEP-assessed sites.
An additional 13 Category N remediation sites have also been closed, while shoreline remediation currently covers 53% of a 1,700-hectare target.
Mangrove restoration efforts have reached 93% completion, with work ongoing to have the Ogoni mangrove wetland designated as a Ramsar Site for international protection.
On livelihood interventions, over 5,000 Ogoni residents have received training in 20 different skill sets, including aviation, seafaring, creative industries, and entrepreneurship.
Zabbey said 200 master’s students and 100 PhD candidates have been awarded scholarships, while 250 undergraduate students received ₦200,000 research grants.
Internship opportunities were provided for 40 students, and multiple career, business, and procurement workshops have been organised as part of capacity-building initiatives.
He reported that more than 7,000 jobs have been created directly or indirectly through project activities in the four Ogoni local government areas.
A socio-economic baseline survey of Ogoni has also been completed to inform planning and policy design.
In the area of public health, 30 communities have benefited from potable water projects, with additional water facilities under construction.
HYPREP has supported the renovation and solar electrification of key health facilities including Bori, Nchia, and Terabor General Hospitals, and Kpite Primary Health Centre.
A 43-bed cottage hospital in Buan is 93% complete, while construction of a 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital has reached 76%, alongside the inauguration of a technical planning committee for sustainability.
He disclosed that the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is collaborating with HYPREP on a comprehensive health study of Ogoni residents.
Zabbey also announced that construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), a core UNEP recommendation, is at 85% completion and set for commissioning in Q4 2025.
Engagements with ex-artisanal refiners are ongoing to prevent re-pollution and secure long-term environmental gains.
The project’s research component includes studies on restocking West African bloody cockles, improving post-remediation soil fertility, and developing biodegradable alternatives to plastic bags used in mangrove nurseries.
Zabbey emphasised HYPREP’s adoption of independent monitoring tools such as a Milestone Evaluation Committee and a Technical Coordination Committee to strengthen oversight.
He attributed the project’s progress to political will under President Tinubu’s administration and the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
While noting persistent challenges including land disputes, chieftaincy conflicts, and misinformation, Zabbey said these are being addressed through dialogue, inclusiveness, and respect for community ownership.
He appealed to Ogoni residents to protect and maintain the interventions, describing local cooperation as central to the project’s long-term success.
Commendations poured in from key dignitaries including former Rivers State University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barineme Fakae, KAGOTE President Hon. Emma Deeyah, traditional rulers from Eleme and Tai, and community leaders from Gokana.
Speakers praised Professor Zabbey’s leadership and acknowledged Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal’s support in sustaining federal commitment to the Ogoni cleanup.
The forum concluded with renewed calls for continued collaboration between HYPREP, the Ogoni people, and all tiers of government to ensure environmental recovery, justice, and sustainable development.
