A coalition of local and international civil society organisations has commended the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for the progress made in environmental remediation and livelihood restoration efforts in Ogoniland, describing the initiative as a model for environmental recovery and community development.
The commendation came during an inspection tour of HYPREP’s major restoration facilities by more than 50 civil society representatives participating in the 4th Annual Niger Delta Climate Change Conference in Port Harcourt.
The delegation visited the mangrove restoration site in Bomu, Gokana Local Government Area; the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) in Wiiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area; and the land and groundwater remediation site in Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area.
Speaking after the tour, the Executive Director of Lekeh Development Foundation, Friday Nbani, said the visible return of mangroves, aquatic life and livelihood activities such as periwinkle harvesting reflects the impact of the restoration programme.
“We have seen the good works on ground here at the mangrove restoration site. Some of us have been here on several occasions and we can see the changes now, particularly the local people picking periwinkles. We commend HYPREP for what is on ground here and the numerous livelihood programmes being carried out.”
Also speaking, Marina Agortimeyor, Ghana Coordinator of the African Just Transition Network, said the delegation decided to visit the project after hearing reports of HYPREP’s achievements in Ogoniland.
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She explained that the facility tour formed part of activities lined up for participants attending the 4th Annual Niger Delta Climate Change Conference, themed “Unite for Justice: Niger Delta Communities Rise for Climate Action and Reparations.”
Representing HYPREP Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, the Head of Environmental Remediation, Raphael Saue, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fully delivering on its mandate while strengthening collaboration with civil society organisations and development partners.
Saue disclosed that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the Ogoni Power Project have reached advanced stages of completion, while the Buan Cottage Hospital is nearing commissioning. He added that reticulated potable water is now being supplied to more than 50 communities across Ogoniland.
“We remain committed to delivering on the HYPREP mandate and partnering with development organisations to ensure the sustainability of the project,” he said.
The Team Lead, Mangrove Restoration, Uche Izuchukwu, said HYPREP has restored more than 560 hectares of shoreline and planted over 1.532 million mangrove seedlings, with an estimated survival rate of about 90 per cent despite environmental challenges.
He added that the project has generated employment opportunities through community participation, with trained Mangrove Vanguards — 45 per cent of whom are women — playing a key role in driving restoration efforts while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The visiting civil society organisations pledged continued collaboration with HYPREP in the areas of capacity building and institutional development, while urging the agency to sustain the quality of its environmental restoration and livelihood programmes across Ogoniland.