Mkpoikana Udoma


Port Harcourt —

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has achieved 91% completion in its ongoing mangrove restoration efforts in Ogoniland, the Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, announced at the weekend in Port Harcourt.

Speaking during a solidarity visit by the Ogoni Mothers’ Union to HYPREP’s office, Prof. Zabbey said the ecological recovery was already yielding visible benefits, including the return of aquatic life to previously degraded creeks and swamps.

According to him, HYPREP has completed remediation of simple oil-polluted sites and is currently tackling medium-risk complex sites. The final phase will involve remediation of high-risk sites located within residential communities.

He disclosed that the agency is cleaning up shorelines across 34 lots and restoring an initial 560 hectares of mangrove forest as part of the wider UNEP-guided cleanup programme.

“The restoration effort is clearly visible. If you visit the creeks today, you will find women and young people returning with periwinkles and fish. This was not the case before. Although the process is still ongoing, it is encouraging to see progress in reviving the ecosystem.

“Our mangrove restoration is unique and progressing very well. As of this week, we have reached 91% completion. One of the clear indicators of success is the enhancement of fisheries, which is directly improving local livelihoods. We are documenting all progress as we go.”

Prof. Zabbey also highlighted the return of previously absent fish species, such as the ‘monitor’, as an indication of improving ecological health.

He said HYPREP is working with local communities to conduct stock assessments to guide ecosystem recovery and meet local expectations.

Beyond environmental remediation, Zabbey noted that HYPREP was also making significant strides in addressing water scarcity. He revealed that potable water access has expanded from just two communities to 30 over the last two years.

“Two years ago, when I assumed office, only one water project was functional. Today, we have three, and the number of communities with access to potable water has increased from two to 30,” he said.

He added that the Honourable Minister of Environment is expected to visit Ogoniland in early July to commission four additional water projects, pushing the number of benefiting communities to 40.

“Our target is that by the end of 2025, at least 65 communities in Ogoniland will have access to potable water. The Honourable Minister has made it clear that every Ogoni community must be reached,” he affirmed.

In her remarks, President of the Ogoni Mothers’ Union, Chief Priscila Vikue, on behalf of the group, lauded Prof. Zabbey’s leadership and passed a vote of confidence on his stewardship.

She said, “Sir, you have made Ogoni mothers proud. Your commitment is restoring dignity to our land. For this, we stand with you and urge you to stay strong and focused in completing this noble assignment.”

The HYPREP initiative, driven by the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, remains a beacon of environmental renewal in the Niger Delta, one of the most polluted regions in Nigeria.