By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal on Wednesday said the ongoing Ogoni clean-up exercise is in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 1 & 2 certificates which is globally recognized.
He stated this at the 7th session of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the remediation of 125.39 of medium-risk complex site oil-contaminated soil and groundwater with an attendant training and employment of 1,453 Ogoni youths to work at the 39 remediation sites are ongoing.
He said “Cleaned up 1,700 of oil-contaminated shoreline, along with the training of 2,500 Ogoni youth and women in oil spill response and awarded with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 1 & 2 certificates which is globally recognized.”
He noted that the Ministry, under President Tinubu’s Administration commissioned 9 out of 10 gigantic operational water treatment stations in Ogoni land under HYPREP.
According to him, Under this Administration, the Ministry initiated the world’s most extensive mangrove restoration in Ogoniland by HYPREP. the pilot phase of 560ha is 85% completed, with over 2 million seedlings comprising red, black, and white mangrove species planted.
“This is the first mangrove restoration in Nigeria involving the planting of different species. 540 Ogoni youths and women were employed as community workers under the mangrove restoration project.”
Lawal advocated a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, private sector actors, communities and Development partners towards tackling environmental issues.
He said the Federal Government is committed to implementing policies and initiatives that drive sustainable development for the benefit of Nigerians and future generations.
The minister identified strengthening policies, improving enforcement mechanisms, increasing financial investments, and enhancing public awareness as crucial in achieving sustainable environmental management and resilience.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President which focuses on a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Nigeria.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and his steadfast support for the programs and initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment.”
“Mr. President’s visionary leadership and unhindered access granted to me has been a constant encouragement in driving the progress we have achieved so far. On behalf of the entire Ministry, I reaffirm our dedication to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President which focuses on a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Nigeria,” he said.
