The Federal Government has disclosed plans to fast-track the Ogoni clean-up project and to address decades of environmental degradation and restore livelihoods in Ogoni communities.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, made the promise while addressing a joint meeting of the Governing Council of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund in Abuja.

Lawal said the gathering was convened to strengthen collective resolve towards implementing the Ogoni clean-up and restoration programme, which includes remediating hydrocarbon-impacted sites and rebuilding community livelihoods.

“Since its inception, particularly in the past two years, HYPREP has made notable progress in addressing the legacy of environmental degradation, supporting community development initiatives, and laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods in Ogoni,” he stated.

He stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate the pace of the project, enhance institutional effectiveness, and build trust among the Ogoni people.

“We must work collaboratively with all stakeholders to speed up the Ogoni clean-up project, strengthen institutional capacity, and consolidate the confidence of the people,” Lawal said.

The minister urged participants to approach the deliberations with unity, transparency, and accountability, guided by the broader goal of restoring the environment, improving public health, and uplifting the socio-economic well-being of affected communities.

He emphasised that the project carries global significance, describing it as both a national duty and an international model for environmental justice.

“The success of the Ogoni clean-up will demonstrate Nigeria’s integrity, capacity, and commitment to sustainable development. The people of Ogoniland must be at the heart of our interventions,” he said.