Ogoni Clean-Up: Agency Targets 1,500 Jobs, Expands Training

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) plans to generate over 1,500 direct jobs in Ogoniland in 2026 as it prepares for the next phase of its mangrove restoration and shoreline remediation projects.

The disclosure was made by the project coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, during a review meeting with key Ogoni stakeholders in Port Harcourt. The forum served as an accountability and scorecard session, allowing the stakeholders to assess the progress made and provide feedback on the cleanup exercise.

Zabbey said over 2,000 Ogoni youths and women are expected to benefit from expanded skills acquisition programmes, including 10 demand-driven trades and five specialised courses designed for persons with disabilities.

He stated that the engagement was crucial to the success of the Ogoni clean-up, noting that regular interactions with stakeholders enhance transparency, promote learning and enable the Project Coordination Office to identify gaps requiring improvement.

Presenting HYPREP’s performance scorecard for the period from July to December 2025, the project coordinator highlighted significant milestones achieved across remediation, water supply, public health, infrastructure, and livelihood restoration initiatives.

According to him, Phase 1 of shoreline remediation has reached 72.7 per cent completion, while mangrove restoration is nearing completion at 99 per cent. Soil and groundwater remediation at medium-risk complex sites currently stands at 39.01 per cent.

On potable water supply, Zabbey said 16 water facilities with booster stations have been completed and are supplying clean water to 42 Ogoni communities, while construction work is ongoing on 29 additional facilities.

He also outlined progress in public health and infrastructure projects, including the ongoing three-year public health studies being conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation. Other interventions, he said, include plans to distribute ambulances, strengthen health facilities, and expand medical outreaches.