The Federal Government has highlighted the achievements of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), saying it has initiated over 120 projects, with many already completed for the benefit of the Ogoni people.

Speaking through the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, the Federal Government told the National Assembly that the Ogoni Cleanup Programme is in good hands, transparent, and operates in line with international best practices.

Zabbey disclosed this during the organisation’s appearance at the public hearing convened by the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the mismanagement of oil spill clean-up funds in the Niger Delta.

Addressing the Hon. Okpolump Etteh-led committee, Zabbey maintained that funds for HYPREP have been judiciously used for the execution of the cleanup programme, in line with the recommendations of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoni Environment.

“Over 120 projects are currently being executed by HYPREP, including several already completed such as the simple-risk land remediation sites and some Phase 1 water projects. We are providing potable water to 40 Ogoni communities, constructing a 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital and a 40-bed Buan Cottage Hospital, establishing the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), and implementing the Ogoni Power Project, mangrove restoration, land and shoreline remediation, alternative livelihood programmes, capacity development, and peacebuilding,” he said.

While requesting the Committee to visit Ogoni land for an on-the-spot assessment of the projects, Zabbey maintained that HYPREP’s operations are transparent and fully compliant with the Public Procurement Act 2007 and other extant regulations.

Earlier, Hon. Emma Deeyah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund (OTF), noted that the Ogoni Cleanup had recorded significant milestones through the financial commitment of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEC) and its Joint Venture Partners. He assured that the Ogoni Trust Fund would cooperate fully with the Committee in its investigation and urged the National Assembly to push for the institutionalisation of HYPREP as a government agency.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Okpolump Etteh, said the committee’s mandate is to investigate how funds released to HYPREP and other agencies for the cleanup of the Niger Delta have been utilized in line with global standards, transparency, accountability, and in the overall interest of the people.