FG moves to cleanup Ogoniland, commissions water projects

By Kunle Sanni
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has announced that the Federal Government has made substantial progress in the Ogoni cleanup project, achieving the remediation of 36 polluted sites and commissioning seven additional water projects in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
Lawal shared these updates on Tuesday following a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Ogoni leaders at the State House in Abuja.
He noted that the remediated sites have been certified as safe for public use, representing a major milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to environmental restoration and development in the region.
“This administration has been performing remarkably well. The project has existed for over five years, but President Tinubu’s dedication has significantly advanced it,” Lawal stated.
The Minister emphasized the current administration’s achievements, highlighting that prior to President Tinubu’s tenure, only one water project had been completed in Ogoniland.
“As of now, eight water projects have been commissioned, with seven completed under President Tinubu’s administration,” he said.
In addition to water projects, Lawal confirmed the remediation of 36 polluted sites, describing them as “environmentally conducive for public use.”
He also revealed plans to construct medical facilities and carry out a comprehensive health assessment in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
“We are analyzing illnesses in the area to address pollution-related health challenges effectively,” the Minister said.
Efforts to restore Ogoniland’s ecosystems have also progressed, with over two million mangrove seedlings planted in the last six months as part of a large-scale reforestation initiative.
“Mangroves are vital to the livelihoods of many Ogoni people, supporting fish, shrimp, and crab populations,” Lawal added.
NSA to Lead Peace Efforts
As part of efforts to promote unity and restore peace in Ogoniland, President Tinubu has tasked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, with leading peacebuilding initiatives in the region.
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, also spoke after the meeting, emphasizing the need for collaboration among Ogoni stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and harmony.
“The meeting focused on fostering peace among the Ogoni people and ensuring that various groups work together for the prosperity of Ogoniland,” Momoh stated.