The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation of environmental restoration in Ogoniland under the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project.
Deputy Ambassador of the EU in Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Conference on Donor Facilitation and Diplomatic Support Engagement for HYPREP.
Vergos described the 2011 environmental assessment of Ogoniland conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme as one of the most comprehensive environmental assessments carried out in Africa.
He said the report revealed decades of hydrocarbon contamination across soil, groundwater and mangrove ecosystems in Ogoniland, with severe consequences for the health and livelihoods of the people.
The EU envoy said the Federal Government responded to the findings through the establishment of HYPREP, describing it as “an institutional commitment backed by law and resources to restore the environment.”
