The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has said despite encountering numerous logistical hurdles, the project remains resolute in its mission to remediate polluted sites in Ogoni and Delta region.

Speaking at the quarterly stakeholders/regulators meeting held in Port Harcourt, the Project Coordinator acknowledged the challenges faced by the project but emphasized the importance of collaboration and support from stakeholders to overcome them.

The coordinator highlighted instances of malicious damage to planted mangroves, inter- and intra-communal land disputes, community leadership tussles, and targeted fence erections that impeded access to contaminated sites. 

He, however, reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to achieving its goals and solicited feedback from stakeholders to enhance project performance.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Rivers State Government, industry regulators, funding partners, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to align efforts with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.

He noted that with a renewed sense of determination and collaboration, HYPREP is poised to surmount the challenges and make significant progress in restoring the environment and improving the lives of communities affected by hydrocarbon pollution.

Also, in his remarks, the Director General of National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, represented the Head of NOSDRA Reference and Laboratory, Dr Kenneth Aroh, assured that his organization will fully comply with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations to achieve complete restoration in Ogoniland.

 He stated, “We will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to restore Ogoniland, in line with UNEP’s guidelines. We are committed to providing the required support and cooperation to achieve this goal.”