HYPREP’S PROVISION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO FOSTER SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN OGONI- PC Zabbey
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) states that it is establishing the essential framework for Ogoni’s sustainable socio-economic growth through the development of critical infrastructure, as it conducts a review of the Socio-Economic Study Report of Ogoni.
Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, said that, in anticipation of the report, HYPREP has been actively initiating frameworks to promote socio-economic progress in the region.
Prof Zabbey elaborated that this effort is reflected in several development-driven projects HYPREP has undertaken — including the construction of the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the 43-bed Cottage Hospital in Buan, the provision of potable water to 49 communities, the development of the Ogoni Power Project, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), as well as remediation projects covering land, groundwater, shoreline, and mangrove restoration. The Project’s various livelihoods and capacity-building programmes also form part of broader strategic efforts to foster socio-economic growth. Additionally, the government is advancing other critical infrastructure in the region, including the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), the Bodo-Bonny Road, and a proposed industrial park.
Prof Zabbey made these comments at the conclusion of a two-day high-level review session for the Ogoni Socio-Economy Study Report in Port Harcourt.
The review session, attended by notable scholars, experienced administrators, community leaders, and civil society representatives, is a vital step in validating the Socio-Economic Study commissioned by HYPREP, which aims to provide a blueprint for governments and development partners towards sustainable development in Ogoni.
The Project Coordinator emphasised that the review seeks to produce a ‘People’s Report’ – a document that will be intergenerational, considering the diverse socio-economic dynamics of Ogoni, and reflecting the aspirations of small-scale farmers, fisherfolk, youth, women, and underserved communities in the region. He expressed optimism that the report’s actionable recommendations would lead to tangible, sustainable development.
He also indicated that the Ogoni Socio-Economic Study Report is scheduled for launch this year, as part of the activities to mark the 10th Anniversary of HYPREP’s inception, while commending the diligent efforts and dedication of both the Study and Review Teams.
The Ogoni Socio-Economic Study was initiated in July 2025, with respondents randomly selected from the four LGAs of Ogoni. Focus group discussions were also conducted with community representatives. Professor Alubabari Desmond Nbete, a Professor of Social and Political Philosophy at the University of Port Harcourt, is leading the Study alongside other distinguished members of the research team.
This Study is a key recommendation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoni’s environment. Further, it demonstrates HYPREP’s commitment to the full implementation of its findings, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes Deliverable 3, Priority 3 Presidential Directive, aimed at accelerating the Ogoni Cleanup Programme.
