The Federal Government has recorded a major milestone in the ongoing Ogoni environmental cleanup with the successful restoration of 560 hectares of oil-degraded mangrove forest in Rivers State, while setting a new target to rehabilitate an additional 438 hectares.
The achievement was announced by the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, who said the restoration effort forms part of the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations for the cleanup of Ogoniland.
According to Zabbey, more than 1.53 million mangrove seedlings have been planted across the restored areas, with an estimated survival rate of about 90 per cent.
He noted that the initiative is already yielding positive environmental results, including the gradual return of aquatic species such as crabs, shrimps, oysters and periwinkles to previously polluted ecosystems.
Zabbey disclosed that HYPREP has commenced preparations for the next phase of the project, which will focus on restoring an additional 438 hectares of degraded mangrove forest across seven shoreline communities in Ogoniland.
The project coordinator described the restoration programme as one of the largest mangrove rehabilitation initiatives in the world, stressing that community participation has remained central to its success. He explained that trained local volunteers, known as Mangrove Vanguards, are actively involved in planting, monitoring and protecting the restored forests, while also benefiting from improved livelihood opportunities.
The Ogoni cleanup programme was launched by the Federal Government following the 2011 UNEP Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland, which documented extensive pollution caused by decades of oil exploration.
The initiative seeks to restore the environment, improve public health, revive biodiversity and promote sustainable development in affected communities.
