The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its dedication to restoring Ogoniland’s oil-polluted environment, emphasising the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
In a statement, HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate oil-damaged land, shorelines, and mangrove ecosystems.
He urged collective responsibility to maintain progress as the project prepares to implement a comprehensive management plan for the Ogoni mangrove wetlands.
Professor Zabbey announced that the Ogoniland mangrove wetland has officially been designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The designation recognised the ecological value of the wetlands and underscores HYPREP’s extensive restoration efforts.
“These mangrove ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods,” Zabbey said.
The wetlands, spanning over 31,700 hectares, comprise islands, tidal creeks, mudflats, and mangrove forests, which host a wide variety of species, including finfish, shellfish, crocodiles, turtles, and the endangered grey parrot.
He noted that the wetlands provide essential ecosystem services such as fisheries production, flood control, water purification, and carbon storage, while also supporting local livelihoods and cultural practices.
The international recognition is expected to boost ecotourism and attract global attention to Ogoniland’s environmental significance.
The designation marks the culmination of a process that began in 2024, when HYPREP submitted a memorandum to the National Council on Environment seeking Ramsar recognition.
Following approval, the Minister of Environment and HYPREP Governing Council Chairman, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, formally requested the designation from the Ramsar Secretariat.
Professor Zabbey described the milestone as a key step in implementing the UNEP Environmental Assessment Report recommendations on Ogoniland, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to long-term environmental restoration and conservation in the region.
“The Ramsar recognition is not only a testament to HYPREP’s work but also a call to ensure sustainable management of Ogoniland’s wetlands for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
