Senate threatens HYPREP over Ogoni cleanup funds

The Senate Public Accounts Committee has issued a stern ultimatum to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), warning that repeated snubs of its invitations will no longer be tolerated.

During a briefing at the National Assembly on Tuesday, the committee, chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada, expressed frustration over the HYPREP Project Coordinator’s refusal to appear and account for billions allocated to the Ogoni land cleanup.

Over seven invitations since December 2023 have gone unanswered, with excuses ranging from other engagements to meetings with the supervising minister.

“This blatant disregard for constitutional oversight is unacceptable. Public funds are involved, and Nigerians deserve accountability,” Senator Wadada stated.

The committee highlighted several unanswered questions about HYPREP’s financial activities, including the utilization of over ₦16.6b for undocumented contaminated sites in 2023, evidence of tax remittances to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) from 2022 to 2024, and progress reports on abandoned and ongoing cleanup sites in Ogoni land.

Despite HYPREP’s consistent absence, the committee has extended a final deadline of February 4, 2025, for the Project Coordinator to appear and provide answers.

“This is not just about oversight; it is about delivering justice and environmental restoration to the people of Ogoni land. HYPREP cannot continue to evade accountability while sitting on critical funds meant for this noble cause,” Senator Wadada added.

The committee warned that failure to honour the invitation will prompt decisive legislative action, including issuing subpoenas and invoking sanctions to compel compliance.

“Our patience is not endless. We owe it to the Nigerian people to ensure transparency in the use of public funds. This is a mild resolution, but if pushed further, we will act decisively,” the chairman stressed.

As the cleanup of Ogoni land remains a critical environmental and developmental project, the Senate reiterated its commitment to ensuring the funds are properly utilized and the project delivers on its promise to restore the region.