In a decisive move to strengthen governance, accelerate implementation and reposition the Ogoni Clean-up Programme, members of the Governing Council (GC) of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated have concluded a two-day joint strategic retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The high-level retreat was convened to align strategies towards the effective delivery of HYPREP’s mandate as outlined in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the Ogoni Environment, while also advancing the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly Priority 3, Deliverable 3 on the acceleration of the Ogoni Clean-up Programme.
Demonstrating strong federal backing, five ministers participated in the retreat. They include the Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP Governing Council, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri, PhD, represented by Dr. Enene Xynex Ambah; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Also in attendance were representatives of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, operator of the Joint Venture, including its Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Tony Attah, represented by Mr. Igo Weli, General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, and Mr. John Ede, Project Manager, Environment and Ogoni Restoration Project. Other participants included Joint Venture partners from TotalEnergies and Oando, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Alhaji Usman Iya Abbas; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Mahmud Kambari; the Chairman, BoT, Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated, Rt. Hon. Emma Deeyah; members of the GC and BoT; and the Project Coordinator and Secretary of the GC, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey.
With the theme “Strategic Governance for Sustainable Remediation of Oil-Impacted Environment,” the retreat provided a robust platform for participants to review project performance, assess policy frameworks, and propose practical interventions aimed at enhancing accountability, effectiveness and sustainability in the implementation of the Ogoni Clean-up Programme.
Key deliberations focused on HYPREP’s statutory mandate, stakeholder synergy, policy and strategy reviews, fundraising dynamics, performance evaluation, accountability mechanisms and effective project execution.
Addressing participants, the Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the Ogoni Clean-up Programme. He urged members of the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees to fully discharge their responsibilities, particularly in fund mobilisation and project monitoring. The minister emphasised the need for strong collaboration among stakeholders and encouraged HYPREP to leverage the renewed ministerial commitment to attract increased governmental support.
Similar views were echoed by the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Regional Development and Petroleum Resources, who commended the progress recorded so far and called for innovative and alternative funding sources to sustain the programme.
In his intervention, the Chairman of the BoT, Rt. Hon. Emma Deeyah, advocated for HYPREP to be established as a full-fledged government agency to strengthen its operational effectiveness. He also advised the Project to develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap that would ensure the timely and efficient delivery of its mandate.
Speaking on behalf of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr. Igo Weli reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the success of the Ogoni Clean-up Programme, while stressing the importance of prudent and transparent use of funds.
Presenting the Project Status Report, the Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, outlined key milestones achieved by HYPREP across various thematic areas. These include soil and shoreline remediation, mangrove restoration and biodiversity recovery, provision of potable water, livelihood support programmes, public health interventions, and special projects such as the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and the Ogoni Power Project.
The retreat also featured technical sessions by renowned resource persons. Dr. Otive Igbuzor spoke on effective policy development; Engr. Felix Teddy Nyado addressed performance evaluation and accountability; while Professor Dinebari Badey presented on effective leadership and crisis management. Additional presentations were delivered by Barr. Ichibor Gowon on the statutory roles and responsibilities of the GC and BoT as stipulated in the Gazette, and Mohammed Bawa on fundraising and grantsmanship.
Participants later broke into working groups to deliberate on challenges and opportunities confronting the Project, after which the groups presented their recommendations.
At the close of the retreat, stakeholders expressed optimism that the outcomes would significantly influence policy direction, strengthen inter-governmental collaboration and accelerate the implementation of the Ogoni Clean-up Programme. It is also expected to provide a viable roadmap for the sustainable remediation of other oil-impacted communities across Nigeria.
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