The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commenced the development of a new five-year Strategic Plan for 2026–2031, focusing on completing outstanding projects, sustaining restored ecosystems and safeguarding the gains of the Ogoni Cleanup Programme.
Nigeria’s Minister of Environment and Chairman of the HYPREP Governing Council, Balarabe Lawal, disclosed this during activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Ogoni Cleanup Programme in Rivers State.
Lawal said the new strategic plan would provide a clear roadmap for the next phase of the Nigerian Government’s intervention in Ogoniland.
According to him, “the plan will focus on completing outstanding interventions, sustaining restored ecosystems, preventing re-pollution and strengthening community ownership of completed projects.”
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He noted that the strategy would also ensure that HYPREP continued to deliver measurable and lasting value to the people of Ogoniland.
The minister stressed the need to strengthen HYPREP’s sustainability and post-remediation management framework, explaining that “the framework would be integrated into the new strategic plan to ensure that investments made by the Nigerian Government and its partners remained protected and continued to benefit affected communities.”
Lawal spoke against the backdrop of the 10th anniversary of the cleanup programme, saying the milestone provided an opportunity to assess achievements, identify outstanding challenges and establish a clear direction for the next phase of the intervention.
He reiterated that the Nigerian Government’s objectives in Ogoniland remained centred on two key priorities: restoring the degraded environment and restoring the livelihoods and wellbeing of the people.
The minister said the government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remained committed to implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
He noted that the elevation of HYPREP to a national priority since 2023 had accelerated remediation and livelihood restoration activities across Ogoniland.
The announcement of the new strategic plan came as HYPREP flagged off the second phase of shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration at Patrick Waterside, Bodo City, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Lawal also unveiled the remodelled Ogoni Cleanup Plaque at the historic site.
He described the plaque as a permanent reminder of the Nigerian Government’s commitment to the people of Ogoni.
The minister explained that its return to the site after 10 years reaffirmed the government’s determination to fulfil its promise to restore the degraded environment.
The HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said the 1,420 certified community workers were beneficiaries of the project’s livelihood and capacity-building interventions.
He explained that HYPREP’s interventions had contributed to the creation of more than 8,500 direct jobs for Ogoni youths and women.
Zabbey said the second phase of shoreline and mangrove restoration would deepen efforts to rehabilitate degraded coastal ecosystems in Ogoniland.
He disclosed that HYPREP was beginning to observe encouraging signs of ecological recovery, including the gradual return of fish and other aquatic species to restored areas.
According to Zabbey, the designation of the Ogoni Mangrove Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance in March 2026 further underscored the need for communities to protect the restored ecosystem.
He explained that the international designation recognised the ecological importance of the wetland and strengthened the need for its sustainable management.
The HYPREP coordinator appealed to shoreline communities to avoid indiscriminate mangrove cutting and overharvesting.
He warned that uncontrolled exploitation could undermine the ecological gains already being recorded in the affected areas.
Zabbey said HYPREP would continue to sensitise communities on responsible resource use and the importance of protecting the ecological character of the Ogoni Mangrove Wetland.
He described the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration at Wiiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area, as one of the major symbols of progress under the cleanup programme.
According to him, the centre is expected to support research, training, partnerships and knowledge development in environmental restoration.
Speaking at the Centre of Excellence, Zabbey said the 10th anniversary provided an opportunity to take stock of HYPREP’s achievements and challenges since the commencement of the cleanup.
He said implementation had witnessed significant acceleration since 2023, following the elevation of the project to a national priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Zabbey listed areas of progress to include environmental remediation, mangrove restoration, potable water provision, healthcare, livelihood restoration, infrastructure development, peace-building, security, transparency and accountability.
The anniversary activities also featured the presentation of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and swimming certificates to 1,420 community workers.
Certificates recognising the Ogoni Wetlands as a Ramsar Site of International Importance were also handed over to the chairmen of the four Ogoni local government areas as custodians of the people.
