(DDM) – The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has reaffirmed that the clean-up of Ogoniland remains a top priority of the Federal Government.
Lawal made the declaration during a high-level courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The visit was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as part of a presidential delegation.
The delegation also included the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Lawal said the Federal Government remains committed to addressing decades of environmental degradation in Ogoniland.
He described the Ogoni clean-up as a national responsibility with implications for environmental justice and sustainable development.
The minister noted that the project goes beyond remediation and touches on livelihoods, health, and community trust.
According to him, restoring Ogoniland is essential for peace and long-term stability in the Niger Delta.
Lawal explained that environmental degradation in Ogoni communities has affected farming, fishing, and water sources.
He said successive governments have recognised the urgency of reversing the damage caused by oil pollution.
The minister assured stakeholders that the current administration is determined to sustain and strengthen ongoing remediation efforts.
He added that the Ministry of Environment is working closely with relevant agencies to overcome operational challenges.
Lawal emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the clean-up process.
He said community confidence can only be rebuilt through visible action and measurable progress.
The Ogoni clean-up project was initiated following the 2011 United Nations Environment Programme report.
The UNEP report documented extensive environmental pollution in Ogoniland due to decades of oil exploration.
It warned that contamination posed serious health risks to local communities.
Following the report, the Federal Government launched the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP.
HYPREP was mandated to coordinate the clean-up and restoration of polluted sites in Ogoniland.
However, the project has faced criticism over pace, funding, and governance issues.
Community leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly called for faster and more transparent implementation.
The visit by the presidential delegation was seen as a renewed signal of political commitment.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu said environmental neglect can fuel social unrest and insecurity.
He stressed that addressing ecological grievances is part of a broader national security strategy.
Ribadu noted that peace in the Niger Delta is closely linked to justice and development.
Minister of Works David Umahi said infrastructure development must align with environmental sustainability.
He added that roads and other projects in the region should support economic recovery for affected communities.
Officials of NNPC Limited said the company remains a key stakeholder in the remediation process.
They acknowledged the role of oil operations in past pollution incidents.
NNPC representatives pledged continued cooperation with government agencies and host communities.
The Rivers State Government welcomed the delegation and reiterated its support for the clean-up.
State officials said the people of Ogoniland have waited too long for environmental justice.
They urged the Federal Government to translate commitments into concrete outcomes.
Observers say renewed federal attention could restore confidence in the clean-up programme.
They note that visible progress would help rebuild trust between the government and Ogoni communities.
Environmental experts say effective remediation requires sustained funding and technical capacity.
They also emphasize the need for community participation at every stage of the project.
The Ogoni struggle has long symbolised environmental activism in Nigeria.
The execution of activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others in 1995 drew global attention to the issue.
Since then, Ogoniland has remained a reference point in debates on oil pollution and accountability.
Lawal said the Federal Government is mindful of this historical context.
He assured that lessons from past failures are being considered in current strategies.
The minister called for patience and cooperation from community members.
He said meaningful environmental restoration takes time but must be steady and credible.
As discussions continue, many residents hope the renewed assurances will lead to tangible change.
The Ogoni clean-up remains a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
