HYPREP Promises Faster Funding, Approvals for Delayed Ogoni Projects
The Governing Council of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has pledged to accelerate funding approvals for delayed livelihood and remediation projects under the Ogoni cleanup programme in Rivers State. Speaking during an assessment visit to project sites in Ogoniland, the council, represented by Professor Michael Wibiere, said efforts would be made to remove funding and approval bottlenecks slowing down project execution. Wibiere said some funds had already been released to support delayed livelihood projects, while further approvals would be pursued in line with established procedures and transparency requirements. HYPREP’s mandate covers environmental remediation as well as livelihood support and other interventions aimed at improving conditions in communities affected by hydrocarbon pollution.
The council identified the Ogoni Power Project and Lot 12 in Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area, among projects requiring urgent attention. Wibiere said the council would work with the Project Coordination Office to address challenges affecting the power project, including reported community-related issues, stressing that improved electricity supply could support wider development in the area. He also assured that contractors who had left project sites because of funding challenges would return as soon as possible. During the inspection, the council visited several interventions, including software development training for 152 Ogoni youths at Rivers State University, the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital, B-Dere Water Project, Bomu Mangrove Restoration Site and the VuroVuro Shoreline Cleanup. The development comes as HYPREP works on a new 2026–2031 strategic plan focused on completing outstanding projects and sustaining gains from the Ogoni cleanup.
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