Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced a partnership with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to bolster ongoing environmental remediation efforts in Ogoni land and extend similar initiatives across the Niger Delta.
NDDC's Director of Environmental Protection and Control, Dr. Henry Okokon, emphasized the commission's commitment to addressing environmental degradation during a recent inspection tour of HYPREP's remediation site in K-Dere and the mangrove restoration project in Bomu, both located in Gokana Local Government Area.
"Ogoni is an integral part of the Niger Delta, and we cannot allow this environmental degradation to continue," stated Dr. Okokon. "We must be actively involved in soil and groundwater remediation, especially in highly contaminated areas like K-Dere. Our goal also includes restoring the mangrove ecosystem in Bomu and beyond."
Dr. Okokon expressed satisfaction with the progress observed, acknowledging previous concerns about HYPREP's effectiveness. "What we've seen today is impressive," he said. "This collaboration will further strengthen environmental restoration in the Niger Delta and improve the livelihoods of communities affected by oil pollution."
Project Consultant, Prof. Godwin Igile, reported that over 50% of the remediation work at the Boobanabe K-Dere site is complete, marking significant strides in the cleanup process.
HYPREP's Director of Technical Services, Engr. Paul Aguiyi, highlighted the scale of the mangrove restoration project, calling it "the largest revegetation exercise in the world." He explained that while HYPREP's mandate focuses on Ogoniland, the NDDC's broader mandate covers the entire Niger Delta, making the collaboration crucial for expanding restoration efforts.
"Four to five states in the Niger Delta have severely degraded mangroves due to oil exploration," Engr. Aguiyi noted. "By partnering with NDDC, we can replicate these restoration efforts beyond Ogoni land and create a healthier ecosystem for the entire region."
He also acknowledged previous financial support from the NDDC to HYPREP and reaffirmed the strong existing relationship between the two agencies. "This visit allows the Commission to see firsthand what has been achieved in Ogoni land and explore how these efforts can be scaled up across the Niger Delta," he said. "The goal is to benefit not just HYPREP and Ogoni land, but to restore the entire region's ecosystem."
Engr. Aguiyi highlighted the positive impact already being seen, with local fishermen resuming their trade thanks to the revitalized ecosystem. Over 1.2 million mangrove trees have been planted, and he anticipates the full impact of these projects will be evident within the next five years.
0 Comments