The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has reassured the Senate Committee on Public Accounts of his commitment to transparency and accountability in the cleanup program in Ogoni.
Professor Zabbey, who appeared before the Committee, emphasized his long-standing stance on transparency and accountability, stating that he has always been a strong advocate for these values.
The HYPREP boss briefed the Committee on the Project’s activities and efforts to ensure accountability and transparency, noting that the Project is making significant progress in accelerating the cleanup, with regular updates on project activities available on the HYPREP website.
To further ensure transparency and accountability, Professor Zabbey said HYPREP has introduced several measures, including monthly contractors’ meetings, a milestone evaluation committee, a technical coordination committee, and a remediation document review committee.
HYPREP also organizes regular stakeholder meetings with various stakeholders, including youths, community leaders, Civil Society Organizations, sponsors, and regulators. This has created a robust stakeholder paradigm that enables HYPREP to manage stakeholders effectively.
In addition, Professor Zabbey said HYPREP’s books are audited monthly, quarterly, and annually by internal, external, and the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation auditors, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Currently, HYPREP is implementing over 100 projects, including medium risk remediation sites, shoreline remediation sites, mangrove restoration sites, and the construction of a center of excellence for environmental restoration.
Professor Zabbey apologized to the Committee for failing to appear at previous invitations, citing office exigencies.
The Committee’s Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, however, accepted the apology and requested that HYPREP furnish the Committee with more documents when they appear later.
