The Federal Government has commissioned four new water projects in Ogoniland, reaffirming its commitment to addressing public health concerns and fully implementing the United Nations Environment Programme report.
The water projects, located in Bodo (Gokana LGA), Eteo (Eleme LGA), Uegwere-Boue, and Taabaa (both in Khana LGA), bring the number of Ogoni communities now enjoying reticulated potable water to 40, according to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project.
Also inaugurated was a new HYPREP Area Office in Kpor, headquarters of Gokana LGA, aimed at strengthening engagement with host communities.
Speaking at the ceremony in Bodo on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, described the development as a major step in the Federal Government’s resolve to restore the dignity of the Ogoni people after decades of environmental degradation caused by oil pollution.
Lawal stated, “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.”
He said the projects are more than infrastructure, describing them as “symbols of hope, equity, and justice” for communities that have long suffered the consequences of oil-related pollution. He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and guard them against 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 added.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to the full implementation of the UNEP 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,” Lawal said.
In his remarks, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, highlighted progress across several UNEP-aligned thematic areas, including soil remediation, mangrove restoration, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Prof Zabbey stated, “We have completed remediation of 50 simple-risk sites, while work on medium-risk, complex sites is 38 per cent done. Our mangrove restoration project is already 93 per cent complete.”
He also noted 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, describing it as a major boost to local livelihoods and stability.
“Work on the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and Ogoni Power Project is 90 per cent and 40 per cent complete, respectively, while the Buan Cottage Hospital and Ogoni Specialist Hospital are nearing completion at 98 per cent and 86 per cent,” the HYPREP boss added.
He continued, “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.”
Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Tony Attah, represented by General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, praised the Federal Government and HYPREP for achieving what he described as a key milestone.
“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.
