Despite the ongoing remediation process in Ogoniland, Rivers State, by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), re-pollution has continued in the area through illegal oil bunkering activities and artisanal refineries.
This has raised concern as stakeholders continue to speak on possible end to the environmental menace.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) Nigeria has however, proffered solutions to the re-pollution of Ogoniland, which include “creating a database for those involved in artisanal refining activities with the aim of providing them with alternative livelihood opportunities.”
YEAC Nigeria also advised HYPREP on the need to partner with development agencies for the creation of modular refineries, support the establishment of PACORDI, and provide electricity for entrepreneurship, empowerment, skills acquisition, and scholarships for the people.
The Executive Director of YEAC Nigeria, Comrade Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, gave the advice during the sensitization of ex-artisanal refiners in Ogoniland against re-pollution organized by HYPREP in Mogho, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Fyneface urged HYPREP to join hands in the fight to end illegal bunkering in Ogoni to prevent re-pollution, adding that this will guarantee a sustainable clean-up process for the environmental restoration of Ogoniland.
He further called for the sensitization of artisanal and ex-artisanal refiners in Ogoni against involvement in acts of illegal refining that contribute to pollution and re-pollution as the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoni 2011 is ongoing.”
HYPREP was established under the Federal Ministry of Environment to clean up impacted communities from oil exploration that has polluted the land.
