The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to ensure environmental remediation and sustainable development in Ogoni land, and the Niger Delta region.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, made this commitment during the commissioning of water facilities in Bomu and Kporghor communities, Gokana Local Government Areas.

Lawal pointed out that the government is dedicated to mitigating the adverse impacts of oil exploration and ensuring a healthier, more prosperous future for the residents

He acknowledged the region’s significant environmental challenges due to decades of oil exploitation and pollution, assuring comprehensive solutions. He noted that the Bola Tinubu administration will continue to engage actively with the Ogoni communities, incorporating their feedback and ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

According to him, the Niger Delta region has faced significant environmental challenges due to decades of oil exploitation and pollution, saying the current administration is committed to addressing these issues comprehensively.

He said the water facilities are part of a larger, integrated approach to environmental remediation and sustainable development, encompassing soil and groundwater remediation, health intervention programmes, and livelihood restoration for affected communities.

Lawal urged community members to take ownership of the facilities and ensure optimal usage, as well as expressed gratitude to community leaders and residents for their patience and cooperation.

HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, highlighted the project’s progress in providing potable water to impacted communities, land and shoreline remediation, healthcare facilities strengthening, and skill training for Ogoni youths and women.

He said the project launched the Growcoon initiative, a sustainable alternative to using single-use plastics to nurse mangrove seedlings, and the pilot cookstove project to reduce reliance on mangroves for fuel.

Zabbey revealed that the project has planted 514,819 mangrove seedlings, making it the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves.The high point of the visit was the symbolic planting of the mangrove at the Bomu waterfront.