Ogoni clean-up: Groups task FG on openness, sustainability

Forum 7 years ago

Ogoni clean-up: Groups task FG on openness, sustainability

Environmental rights group, Social Action has expressed concern over the manner in which the Federal government is handling the Ogoni clean-up process.
The group in an interactive session with the media in Port Harcourt said the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Programme, HYPREP, should be positioned to begin to play its role in the Ogoni clean-up.

Speaking on behalf of Social Action, Ken Henshaw said there was no clarity as to how the clean-up would be funded.


He said the clean-up process could be derailed if certain policy gaps were not checked.

?As part of its intention for a hitch-free clean-up, Social Action advised the Federal government to develop a draft plan for the im?plementation of the proces.

Henshaw suggested a Legislation proposing a legal frame work that wil ensure the sustainability of the clean-up inspite of any government in power.

?”A major source of concern is the fact that the agency tasked with the responsibility of coordinating and implementing the clean-up, HYPREP is still not backed by any legislation.


“It is also important to note that while the government has held several meetings with various interest groups on the clean-up process, the process? of consultation has not been adequate or exhaustive.

“As a product of a thorough and structured consultation process which should include civil society organisations, the Federal government should develop and publish a draft plan for the implementation of the UNEP Report.

“The institutional framework for the clean-up of Ogoniland should be clearly and properly established. The funding plan for the clean-up of Ogoniland should be made public.

“A bill proposing a legislation aimed at establishing a legal framework for the structures and funding of the clean-up process should be immediately sent to the National Assembly,” the group said.