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The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commended the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) for its efforts in the remediation of hydrocarbon pollution in Ogoni and beyond.
This was contained in a statement signed by Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Abuja.
He gave this commendation when Prof. Don Baridam, Chairman of the CEER Committee, led members to present the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) Report at the Project Coordination Office (PCO) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“This centre will serve as a hub for innovative research, skill development, and environmental management, providing sustainable pollution prevention, control, and ecosystem restoration solutions.
“For Ogoniland, this means a cleaner environment, improved public health, and opportunities for economic empowerment through skills training and employment.
“Nationally, the centre will position Nigeria as a leader in environmental remediation and restoration, fostering innovation and best practices in pollution management, primarily through the Integrated Contaminated Soil Management Centre housed within the CEER,” he noted.
Zabbey assured that the project would implement the recommendations of the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) Report on the Centre, a move targeted at actualising the sustainability framework of the CEER in Ogoni.
He stated that the report would be submitted to the HYPREP Governing Council and expressed optimism that the council would take swift action towards the immediate operationalisation of the CEER.
He commended the 13-member Committee for its commitment, expertise, and hard work in developing the report.
Zabbey announced the expansion of the Centre’s original remediation-related laboratories to include biotechnology, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that HYPREP should contribute to national food security.
“This will enhance phytoremediation studies and crop improvement research to contribute to national food security and sovereignty.”
Prof. Ibisime Etela, the Officer Overseeing CEER, said the report brief highlighted the key deliverables of the TPC-CEER, which include the development of an advisory document on a Bill for the CEER.
“Core curricula and Governing Council recommendations, an advisory document on co-financing, collaborations with institutions and sustainability, a staffing and recruitment strategy, and an advisory.
“Accordingly, the report made key recommendations, among which are a clear legal framework for the establishment of the CEER as an independent Centre of Excellence in Nigeria.
“At over 80 per cent completion, CEER will, among other things, serve as a data repository and a hub for cutting-edge research in environmental remediation in the region,” Etela said.
The TPC-CEER was inaugurated on May 31, 2024.
By Abigael Joshua
