The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has reaffirmed that the clean-up of Ogoniland remains a top priority of the Federal Government.
Lawal made this known during a courtesy visit by a presidential delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday. Other members of the delegation included the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
According to the minister, key projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are making steady progress. These include mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capacity development and women empowerment initiatives.
Also speaking, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, said the company remained fully committed to the ongoing dialogue with the Ogoni people. He noted that current efforts are focused on improving the welfare and livelihoods of host communities rather than resuming oil production.
The Federal Government has continued engagement with Ogoni stakeholders as part of discussions on the possible resumption of oil exploration in the area after more than three decades of suspension.
However, the move has faced opposition from some rights groups and community members, who argue that environmental pollution in the area has not been adequately addressed and that further clean-up is required before any oil activities can resume.
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