Tinubu Reconstitutes HYPREP Governing Council And Board Of Trustees To Bolster Niger Delta Cleanup.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), a critical initiative aimed at addressing environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. The announcement, made on Monday, 11 August 2025, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, signals a renewed commitment to the region’s cleanup efforts.
The reconstituted Governing Council will be chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal. It includes a diverse group of representatives to ensure comprehensive oversight. Loanyie Barituka Victor will represent environmental non-governmental organisations, while Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure will represent Niger Delta communities. The Ogoni community, a key focus of the cleanup, will be represented by Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere and Baride Abdul Gwezia. Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse will represent the nine oil-producing states. Additionally, four alternate members—Rev. Canon Dr Abraham Olungwe and Engr. Maeba Power Ekpobari for Ogoniland, and Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei for the broader Niger Delta—have been appointed to ensure robust representation.
The HYPREP Board of Trustees has also been restructured, with Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah reappointed as chairman. Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr Fred Barivule Kpakol will represent Ogoni communities and stakeholders, while Mrs Dorcas Amos will represent other Niger Delta communities. Chief Jide Damazio, also reappointed, will represent environmental NGOs, ensuring continuity in advocacy for sustainable practices.
This move follows a high-level meeting in January 2025, where President Tinubu engaged with key Rivers State stakeholders, including former Governor Nyesom Wike, then-Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and Ogoni representatives, to address challenges surrounding the Niger Delta cleanup and regionalavien tensions in the state. The reconstituted council and board reflect the administration’s focus on advancing the project’s objectives.
International support for HYPREP remains strong, with the Belgian government and the United Nations pledging assistance in March 2025. The UN has committed technical support for mangrove restoration, climate change mitigation, food security, clean water access, and public health, aligning with HYPREP’s mission of environmental protection and peacebuilding. The Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, and mangrove expert Professor Olof Linden also reaffirmed their commitment to the Ogoni cleanup during a visit to HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey.
The reconstitution of HYPREP’s leadership is seen as a step towards strengthening the project’s effectiveness and addressing longstanding environmental and socio-economic challenges in the Niger Delta. With a refreshed council and board, the administration aims to restore confidence in the cleanup efforts and promote sustainable development in the region.