Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, the current Director-General of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has played a key role in revitalizing efforts to restore Ogoniland, a region deeply affected by decades of oil pollution. With a background in environmental biology and a focus on ecological restoration, Zabbey has taken a data-driven, holistic approach to environmental cleanup, social rehabilitation, and sustainable livelihood programs.
Under his leadership, HYPREP has made significant strides in remediating polluted lands and improving water quality, leading to tangible improvements across several Ogoni communities. He emphasizes the importance of integrating local knowledge with modern technologies to ensure that the environmental restoration process is both culturally relevant and scientifically sound. This approach has garnered praise from both local and international stakeholders, who view it as a model for addressing environmental crises caused by industrial pollution.
In addition to environmental efforts, Zabbey has prioritized economic empowerment through HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood programs. A notable example is the recent extension of support to 40 Ogoni women, providing N4 million in funding to boost small-scale businesses in local markets.
This initiative highlights his commitment to ensuring that the benefits of environmental restoration extend to social and economic empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups like women in rural communities. His focus on transparency, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement has been central to this success, fostering trust and collaboration between HYPREP and the local community.
Zabbey has also been a strong advocate for capacity building and dispute resolution within the project, recognizing the importance of harmonious relations with stakeholders to ensure the success of remediation efforts. By addressing challenges such as land disputes and protests through open dialogue and collaboration, he has helped to advance the mission of HYPREP in a way that balances environmental, social, and economic interests.
