HYPREP Seeks Support for Ogoni Cleanup Initiative

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is intensifying its efforts to mobilize financial and technical support for the ongoing cleanup of Ogoniland. During a high-level conference in Abuja, stakeholders, including donors, oil firms, financial institutions, and diplomats, were rallied to support the project.

Federal Minister of Environment Balarab Lawal reaffirmed the government's commitment to restoring the degraded environment of the Niger Delta, acknowledging the significant work done so far. However, he stressed that existing funding arrangements are becoming depleted and called for support from development partners, donor agencies, and the private sector.

HYPREP has made substantial progress, remediating hundreds of hectares of hydrocarbon-polluted land and delivering potable water schemes to affected communities. The project also includes mangrove restoration and healthcare infrastructure improvements.

Prof. Nenibarini Zabbei, project coordinator, noted that HYPREP has created 7,000 direct jobs and trained 5,000 Ogoni youths, contributing to food security and sustainable development in the region.