House Committee Threatens Ogoni Cleanup Contractors Over Performance

The House of Representatives Committee responsible for the Ogoni cleanup has warned that it may recommend contract cancellations for underperforming contractors, despite the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) achieving an 80% score in its environmental restoration efforts. This warning was issued during an oversight visit to Ogoniland, Rivers State, where the committee inspected various remediation sites, healthcare facilities, and youth training centers.

HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, reported that the agency is managing over 120 projects focused on environmental remediation, clean water, healthcare, and skills acquisition. The committee praised the training of 2,400 Ogoni youths at the Limeview Training Centre but identified implementation challenges, including flooding and a community access dispute.

Zabbey also mentioned the development of specialized healthcare facilities, including an oncology unit. The committee called for increased funding for the cleanup and expressed dissatisfaction with the Buon water project, indicating that HYPREP management would be engaged regarding contractors' performance before any recommendations for contract cancellations.