The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project and the Belgian government have reaffirmed their commitment to the Ogoni cleanup and addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges in the region.
This was emphasized during a visit by the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, and renowned mangrove expert, Prof. Olof Linden, to HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey.
The visit on focused on assessing the cleanup progress and identifying areas for additional support, according to NAN.
Leenknegt, accompanied by the First Secretary to the Belgian Ambassador, Dorien Laewnen, praised HYPREP’s efforts in environmental restoration and livelihood improvement in the Niger Delta, describing the initiative as a modern approach to biodiversity conservation and community empowerment.
Linden, joined by Mike Cowing from the Post-UNEP team, also visited Bomu in Gokana Local Government Area to inspect HYPREP’s mangrove restoration site.
The United Nations has also pledged support for HYPREP in key areas.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, stated that the UN and its agencies would provide technical support for mangrove restoration, climate change mitigation, food security, access to clean water, and public health.
Fall noted that HYPREP’s work aligns with the UN’s goals of environmental protection, human rights, addressing environmental degradation, access to clean water, public health, and peacebuilding.
In response, Zabbey expressed optimism that growing local and international interest in the project would further strengthen efforts toward sustainable environmental recovery.
He highlighted that HYPREP has planted over 1.3 million mangroves, with shoreline restoration at 38% completion.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January engaged with Rivers State stakeholders, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Governor Nyesom Wike, and Ogoni leaders, to discuss the Niger Delta cleanup and political tensions in the state.
