The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project has announced that the World Health Organisation will conduct a three-year bio-monitoring research in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

According to HYPREP, the research aims to assess the health benefits of the ongoing environmental restoration in Ogoniland as the clean-up of crude oil-polluted sites continues.

The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, made this announcement during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by its Pro-Chancellor, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, on Friday in Port Harcourt.

Zabbey explained that HYPREP will collaborate with local universities for the duration of the WHO’s bio-monitoring research.

He stated, “In the coming months, the World Health Organisation will carry out a three-year bio-monitoring research in Ogoniland. From the outset, we have emphasised the need for a partnership with local universities, and UNIPORT will play a significant role in this research.”

While noting that HYPREP’s mandate is primarily focused on cleaning up Ogoniland, Zabbey highlighted that the project is also creating a model that can be replicated in other parts of Nigeria facing similar oil pollution challenges.

He further expressed gratitude for the visit, which he said served as a major source of encouragement for the entire HYPREP team.

Zabbey said as part of its mission to restore the livelihoods of the Ogoni people, HYPREP had already provided clean drinking water to 30 communities, with plans to expand this to an additional 60 communities this year.

Additionally, the project has been strengthening public health systems in Ogoniland, having already upgraded four hospitals and planning to enhance four more in the coming year.

The construction of the Bua Cottage Hospital and Ogoni Specialist Hospital is also underway.

Zabbey emphasised the importance of the specialist hospital, which will include an oncology unit to address the high levels of carcinogenic contaminants found in Ogoni due to prolonged exposure to hydrocarbon pollution, as identified by the United Nations Environment Programme.

The HYPREP coordinator also spoke about the ongoing efforts to restore the environment, particularly focusing on the conservation of mangroves and changing the behavior of those who depend on them for their livelihoods.

To further this cause, he announced that HYPREP will establish a Chair for Wetland Research at the University of Port Harcourt.

Earlier, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of UNIPORT, commended Zabbey and the HYPREP team for their achievements.

He noted that HYPREP’s success is already gaining recognition beyond Nigeria, stating, “This is a new agency born out of necessity, and within a short time, it has made remarkable progress, which is why we are here—to show our support.”

While praising HYPREP’s work, Senator Ohuabunwa also emphasised the need for a permanent structure for the agency, pointing out that pollution and remediation issues extend beyond Ogoniland to other parts of the Niger Delta and even the northern regions of Nigeria.

He proposed that HYPREP be made a permanent agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment and expressed his intention to propose and support a bill for its establishment in the National Assembly.

Additionally, the Pro-Chancellor informed Zabbey that UNIPORT will be celebrating its 50th anniversary and requested his support for the institution’s plans to establish a N10bn endowment fund.

He highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility, noting that HYPREP’s support for the university would contribute to its growth and further the goals of the clean-up project.


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