The Federal Government through the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has inaugurated four new water projects in Ogoniland, with renewed commitment to addressing public health concerns and full implementation of  the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) Report on Ogoniland. 

This  new water projects brings the number of Ogoni communities with reticulated potable water to 40, HYPREP has said.

HYPREP had previously, commissioned water projects in Barako, Terabor, Bomu, Kpite, Beeri and other communities across the four LGAs.

The newly commissioned water projects are located in Bodo community (Gokana LGA), Eteo ( Eleme LGA), Uegwere-Boue, and Taabaa communities (both in Khana LGA).

UNEP in it's report on Ogoniland had decried the benzene contamination of underground water to an unacceptable level, recommending immediate provision of potable drinking water for the people.

The Federal Government also unveiled a new HYPREP Area Office in Kpor, headquarters of Gokana LGA, aimed at improving engagement with the Ogoni communities.

Speaking in Bodo community while commissioning the projects, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the development is a major step in the federal government’s resolve to restore the dignity of the Ogoni people after decades of environmental degradation.

He emphasized that access to clean water is a basic right of the people.

“The biggest victim of pollution is water. Water is what gets polluted first, and so the whole essence of HYPREP is to restore water, land, and a better environment. Access to clean and safe water is not just a basic necessity, it is a fundamental human right,” Lawal said.

He noted that the projects are not just infrastructure, but “symbols of hope, equity, and justice” for communities that had long suffered the impacts of oil-related pollution, urging the communities to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism.

“Today, as we commission these projects, we are not only laying a physical foundation but also upholding human rights. These commitments underscore our shared dedication to the health, dignity, and well-being of our people,” he stated.

Lawal while acknowledging the sufferings of the Ogoni people, reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to full delivery of UNEP’s report and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

“On behalf of the federal government, I affirm our unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the UNEP report. The Ogonis have suffered for too long. It is our duty to address their worries,” Abbas said.

In his address, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, stated that progress is being recorded across other UNEP-aligned thematic areas such as soil remediation, mangrove restoration, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

He said: “We have completed remediation of 50 simple-risk sites, while work on medium-risk, complex sites is 38% done. Our mangrove restoration project is already 93% complete.”

Zabbey  stated that over 5,000 Ogoni youths and women have been trained in 20 skill sets, while 7,000 direct jobs have been created through the programme, which he described as a major boost to local livelihoods and stability.

Highlighting other achievements of the Project, the PC said: “Work on the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and Ogoni Power Project is 90% and 40% complete respectively, while the Buan Cottage Hospital and Ogoni Specialist Hospital are nearing completion at 98% and 86%.

“With the Ogoni Health Study now underway, HYPREP has reached the point of simultaneous implementation of key UNEP actions, remediation, water, health and livelihood, working together to transform Ogoni holistically.”

On his part, Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Engr. Tony Attah, represented by Igo Weli, praised the federal government and HYPREP for achieving a key milestone in the clean up process.

“This marks a significant moment in our journey to improve public health and the quality of life of Ogoni people. We also commend the resilience and commitment of the communities. Your support reflects a shared desire for progress,” Attah said.