Ogoni Cleanup: HYPREP Moves To Fast-Track Delayed Projects

Port Harcourt, September 11, 2026 (GNA) – The Governing Council of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has pledged to accelerate approvals and fund disbursements to fast-track the execution of delayed livelihood, remediation, and infrastructure projects across Ogoniland.

The commitment was made by council representative Prof. Michael Wibiere during an inspection tour of various HYPREP facilities, remediation sites, and community development projects in Rivers State.

Wibiere explained that while fund releases must strictly adhere to established regulatory and administrative procedures, additional funds have already been released to resume work on stalled sites, with further approvals being processed.

The inspection team identified key priority interventions, including Lot 12 at Ogale in Eleme Local Government Area and the Ogoni Power Project in Bodo, promising to address site accessibility, community negotiations, and execution bottlenecks.

During the visit, council members inspected ongoing software development training for 152 Ogoni youths at Rivers State University, the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital, local potable water schemes, and shoreline mangrove restoration sites.

Speaking on behalf of the HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, the Director of Technical Services, Prof. Damian Aguiyi, noted that the council's direct oversight would resolve field execution challenges and strengthen operational synergy.

The Governing Council assured that contractors who had temporarily vacated project sites due to funding constraints would return to work immediately to ensure timely project delivery across the four Ogoni local government areas.