The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to best practices and the full implementation of the Ogoni cleanup as recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In a message marking World Environment Day 2026, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, pledged to advance the agency’s ambition for citizen-led sustainable climate action in the Niger Delta while accelerating environmental restoration efforts in Ogoniland.
He said: “As this year’s global campaign highlights the urgent signals our Earth is sending and calls for immediate, accelerated action to address climate change and environmental degradation.
“For HYPREP, this day holds profound significance as we continue our mandate to restore the integrity of Ogoniland’s socio-ecological landscape and revitalise communities affected by decades of hydrocarbon pollution.
“Our ongoing shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration, remediation of polluted soil and groundwater, provision of potable water, livelihood support initiatives, health interventions, and the Ogoni Power Project are direct responses to the call for environmental healing and sustainable development.”
Zabbey stated that restored mangroves are sequestering large quantities of carbon, helping to mitigate global climate change.
“These carbon assets are being positioned to secure carbon credits, ensuring long-term funding for the communities to continue conserving the restored mangrove,” he said.
He also noted that thousands of Ogoni youths and women are directly employed as mangrove planters, nursery operators and environmental shoreline monitors, known as Mangrove Vanguards, helping to protect restored areas from re-pollution and eliminate the threat of artisanal refining.
“The Project has secured collective community ownership, with local surveillance teams and traditional rulers actively co-managing the newly restored shorelines and facilities built in their respective communities to prevent vandalism,” he added.
Zabbey further reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to accelerating remediation efforts in collaboration with technical partners and local stakeholders.
“We would also continue to empower communities through robust investment in sustainable livelihood programmes, including agricultural support and vocational training, to ensure the economic resilience of the people,” he said.
He assured that the agency would continue engaging youths and local communities through environmental clubs in schools and grassroots sensitisation campaigns to promote environmental conservation.
The project coordinator also noted that the Ogoni wetlands have been designated a Ramsar Site of international importance by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands.
Zabbey said environmental restoration is not only a regulatory obligation but a responsibility to future generations.
“We will ensure the Ogoni cleanup project achieves this,” he stated.
He called on stakeholders, community leaders, people of the Niger Delta and the international community to partner with HYPREP in safeguarding the environment.
“HYPREP remains resolute in its mission and inspired, particularly by the sustained community support for bringing lasting environmental restoration to Ogoniland and its environs, ensuring that the Ogoni people live in a safe, healthy, and economically vibrant environment,” he added.
Blessing Ibunge
