Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has said regulators and asset owners play pivotal roles in terms of technical, professional and administrative support, which are critical for the success of the Ogoni Cleanup Project across its thematic areas.
The nature of HYPREP’s activities and its strategic stakeholder paradigm make it incumbent on the Project to constantly interface with regulators, asset owners and Civil Society Organizations(CSOs), like the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Nigeria Pipelines and Storage Company Limited (NPSC), Federal Ministry of Environment, Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power, Water and Rural Development, SPDC JV, Stakeholders Democracy Network(SDN), Centre for Environment and Human Rights Development (CEHRD), Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA) among others.
Professor Zabbey, at the 1st Quarterly Key Regulators/Asset Owners Meeting convened by HYPREP in Port Harcourt, stressed that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping the Project overcome operational bottlenecks.
The PC informed stakeholders of the significant acceleration of most projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, disclosing that HYPREP will commence a new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration, water and livelihood projects to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni Cleanup. He further announced the commencement of the Socio-Economic Study of Ogoni and the award of a contract to the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation to conduct a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
”Drawing from the Renewed Hope National Agenda which emphasizes the acceleration of the Ogoni Cleanup, the policy thrust for 2025 is clear: we are intensifying efforts to complete various ongoing projects including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), the Ogoni Power Project, Buan Cottage Hospital, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and many more within stated timelines and deliver them for commissioning and subsequent community use” the PC explained.
He enthused that when completed, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital will have the state-of-the-art medical equipment, including the latest MRI machine, attesting to HYPREP’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services in its public health intervention in Ogoni.
Professor Zabbey, while acknowledging the high expectations and hopes from the people of Ogoni and the nation, urged regulators and asset owners to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s activities, deepening their involvement and strategic support for the Project.
The highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the status of HYPREP Projects, which indicates notable achievements across thematic areas. Participants lauded HYPREP for the significant progress recorded, especially in the provision of potable water, public health, CEER and remediation. They enjoined the Project to continue to prevail on contractors to fast track project execution and prioritize community benefits.
