Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has assured the National Assembly that the Ogoni Cleanup Programme is being managed with judicious use of funds, full transparency, and adherence to best practices for the benefit of the Ogoni people.
Speaking at a Public Hearing session convened by the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee investigating the mismanagement of oil spill cleanup funds in the Niger Delta, Prof. Zabbey emphasized that HYPREP’s fund allocation strictly follows the recommendations of the UN Environment Programme’s report on the Ogoni environment.
He highlighted over 120 ongoing projects, including completed initiatives like simple-risk land remediation and Phase 1 water projects.
Current critical projects include potable water provision to 40 Ogoni communities, construction of the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital and 40-bed Buan Cottage Hospital, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, Ogoni Power Project, mangrove restoration, land and shoreline remediation, alternative livelihood programs, capacity building, and peacebuilding efforts.
Prof. Zabbey assured that all operations are transparent and comply fully with the Procurement Act 2007 and other relevant regulations.
He invited the Committee for an on-site assessment of the projects under HYPREP’s “Come and See” approach to further demonstrate transparency.
Rt. Hon Emma Deeyah, Chairman of the Ogoni Trust Fund Board of Trustees, praised the significant milestones achieved in the cleanup, supported financially by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and Joint Venture Partners.
He pledged cooperation with the Committee and urged the National Assembly to institutionalize HYPREP as a government agency.Committee Chairman Hon. Okpolump Etteh stated the investigation aims to ensure funds released for Niger Delta cleanup are used with transparency, accountability, and in genuine public interest.
The hearing will continue with other agencies.HYPREP under Prof. Zabbey’s leadership maintains rigorous transparency and accountability through an open-door policy, stakeholder meetings, quarterly performance scorecards, regular internal and external financial audits, and oversight by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
Committees such as the Milestone Evaluation Committee, Technical Coordination Committee, and Remediation Document Review Committee further ensure quality control, strategic guidance, and thorough review of remediation actions.
