Tinubu appoints new members to the HYPREP Governing Council and Board of Trustee

The reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) by President Bola Tinubu is aimed at enhancing the governance and implementation of the clean-up initiative in the oil-impacted areas of the Niger Delta region. The new appointments are expected to bring fresh perspectives and ensure that the project is effectively managed to address the environmental challenges faced by the communities.

The Governing Council will be chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall policy direction and strategic planning of HYPREP. The Council includes representatives from environmental NGOs, Niger Delta communities, and the academic sector, ensuring a balanced and inclusive approach to the clean-up efforts. The Board of Trustees, now led by Emmanuel Deeyah, will focus on the project's financial and administrative aspects, ensuring that funds are judiciously utilized and the project's objectives are met.

The meeting between President Tinubu and Rivers State stakeholders in January highlighted the importance of the cleanup project and the need for collaboration between the federal government and the affected communities. The suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the subsequent political developments have not deterred the President from pushing ahead with his commitment to the clean-up initiative.

The reconstitution of the Council and Board is seen as a step towards reinvigorating the HYPREP, which was established in 2017 to implement the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on the environmental restoration of the oil-rich region. The project has faced several challenges, including funding constraints, delays, and accusations of mismanagement.

The new leadership is expected to address these issues and ensure that the cleanup efforts are transparent, efficient, and in line with international best practices. The involvement of key stakeholders from the region, including the reappointment of Chief G.B. Kekinah, who was the initial Project Coordinator of HYPREP and is a respected figure in the Ogoni community, is also likely to boost the project's credibility and acceptance among the local populace.

The move underscores the Tinubu administration's commitment to environmental sustainability and the welfare of the people in the Niger Delta, as the successful implementation of the cleanup exercise is crucial for the socio-economic development of the region and the country as a whole.