The Federal Government has restated its resolve to address environmental damage in Ogoniland, with the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, leading the charge.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the 16th of September, 2025, Lawal, who chairs the Governing Council of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), gave the assurance during a joint session of the HYPREP Governing Council and the Ogoni Trust Fund (OTF) Board of Trustees.
According to him, the two bodies remain “vital instruments of accountability and hope, charged with transforming years of neglect into renewed health, prosperity, and environmental sustainability.”
Lawal stressed the importance of collaboration, saying: “The world is watching. We must rise to the occasion and deliver on the mandate with transparency, accountability and urgency.
The Ogoni clean-up is not only a national duty but also an international model for environmental justice. Its success will demonstrate Nigeria’s integrity, capacity and commitment to sustainable development.
I therefore call for synergy between the Governing Council and the BoT for harmonised strategies and alignment of priorities towards the timely and effective implementation of the Ogoni clean-up.”
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He appealed to all partners to work hand in hand, noting that faster results, stronger institutions, and restored trust from the Ogoni people depended on collective action.
Lawal also reflected on HYPREP’s establishment and progress: “HYPREP was established under the Federal Ministry of Environment by a 2016 notice, with the mandate to remediate hydrocarbon-impacted sites in Ogoniland and restore livelihoods.
Since its inception, and particularly since 2023, HYPREP has made notable progress in addressing the legacy of degradation, supporting community development initiatives, and laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods in Ogoni.”
From the side of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Board of Trustees chairman, Mr Emmanuel Deeyah, gave his assurance of full commitment. He promised that the board would remain dedicated to the Ogoni cause and act responsibly.
Deeyah also pledged prompt payment of contractors engaged in Ogoniland so they could continue their tasks without delays.