HYPREP Says Women’s Participation in Ogoni Cleanup Has Reached 45%

Women now account for 45% of participation in Nigeria’s Ogoni cleanup programme, up from 5% in 2023, according to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Rehabilitation Project, or HYPREP.

Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey announced the figure in Port Harcourt during the 2026 third quarterly meeting of regulators and asset owners involved in the cleanup. He said HYPREP was following a human-centred, multi-stakeholder approach intended to make environmental restoration more inclusive and sustainable.

“We are implementing the recommendations of the UNEP report on the environmental assessment of Ogoniland and, in doing that, we have decided to adopt a multi-stakeholder and human-centric approach,” Zabbey said. He added that regular meetings with asset owners, regulators, civil society groups and other stakeholders were needed to review progress and address problems.

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We are implementing the recommendations of the UNEP report on the environmental assessment of Ogoniland and, in doing that, we have decided to adopt a multi-stakeholder and human-centric approach.

The meeting coincided with activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Ogoni cleanup. Zabbey cited advances in mangrove restoration and urged stakeholders to protect the Ogoni mangrove wetland, which has been designated a Ramsar site of international importance. He also called for greater investment in ecotourism to conserve biodiversity and create economic opportunities.

HYPREP also reported healthcare improvements. Four facilities received modern medical equipment and solar power systems, while five fully equipped ambulances were supplied for emergency and referral services. “Those that have visited the Onne Health Centre recently will attest to the fact that since we installed our solar system in February this year, light has not blinked in that facility,” Zabbey said.

The project has completed a 43-bed cottage hospital at Buwa and is waiting for the Rivers State Government to post staff. The Ogoni Specialist Hospital is about 80% complete, with an oncology unit planned for cancer screening and treatment. HYPREP said it had inspected an advanced MRI machine in Germany for the hospital.

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Those that have visited the Onne Health Centre recently will attest to the fact that since we installed our solar system in February this year, light has not blinked in that facility.