HYPREP Closes 30 Polluted Sites in Ogoniland, Nigeria

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has successfully closed 30 contaminated sites in Ogoniland, Rivers State, as part of its environmental remediation initiative. Prof.

Nenibarini Zabbei, the project coordinator, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja. Investigations into 65 contaminated sites recommended remediation for affected areas, although some sites were not included in the 2011 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.

HYPREP is currently investigating 18 high-risk areas to determine contamination levels. Of the 30 sites closed, 13 have undergone natural attenuation and have been verified by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, confirming they no longer require remediation.

Additionally, remediation work is ongoing at 17 medium-risk sites, with groundwater contamination levels reduced below World Health Organization benchmarks. The agency aims to strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders at an upcoming conference scheduled for May 26, 2026, to explore collaborative approaches for environmental remediation and public health interventions in Ogoniland.