HYPREP Launches 5-Year Strategic Plan for Ogoni Cleanup

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commenced the development of a five-year Strategic Plan for 2026–2031, aimed at completing outstanding projects, sustaining restored ecosystems, and safeguarding the gains of the Ogoni Cleanup Programme. Minister of Environment and Chairman of the HYPREP Governing Council, Balarabe Lawal, announced this on Monday during the 10th anniversary of the Ogoni Cleanup Programme in Rivers State.

The strategic plan will provide a roadmap for the Nigerian Government’s intervention in Ogoniland, focusing on preventing re-pollution and strengthening community ownership of completed projects. Lawal reiterated the government's commitment to implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, noted that the project has created over 8,500 direct jobs for Ogoni youths and women. The second phase of shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration was also flagged off at Patrick Waterside, Bodo City, Gokana Local Government Area.