Balarabe Lawal, minister of environment, says the federal government remains committed to addressing environmental degradation in Ogoniland.
Lawal, who also chairs the governing council of the hydrocarbon pollution remediation project (HYPREP), spoke on Tuesday at a joint meeting of the council and the board of trustees (BoT) of the Ogoni Trust Fund (OTF).
He described the two bodies as “instruments of accountability and hope”, tasked with transforming years of neglect into “renewed health, prosperity and environmental sustainability”.
“The world is watching. We must rise to the occasion and deliver on the mandate with transparency, accountability and urgency,” the minister said.
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“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.”
He called for synergy between the governing council and the BoT to fast-track implementation of the clean-up project and consolidate the trust of the Ogoni people.
He noted that since its establishment in 2016, and particularly since 2023, HYPREP has made progress in remediating polluted sites, supporting community development, and laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods.
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Emmanuel Deeyah, chairman of the BoT, assured that the board would not fail the Ogoni people.
He also pledged the timely payment of contractors working in the area.
