HYPREP, NOSDRA seek cooperation to achieve UNEP'S remediation goals
THE Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project ( HYPREP) has said that despite encountering numerous hurdles, the project remains resolute to remediate polluted sites in Ogoni and other Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the quarterly stakeholders/ regulators meeting held in Port Harcourt, the Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, acknowledged the challenges faced by the project but emphasised 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, regulators, funding partners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to align efforts with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
He said 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.
The Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency ( NOSDRA), Chukwuemeka Woke, represented by the Head of NOSDRA Reference and Laboratory, Dr Kenneth Aroh, assured that his organisation 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. “