By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, weekend, assured implementation of recommendations of report of the Technical Planning Committee, TPC, on Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, CEER, in Ogoni to actualize the sustainability framework.

The Project Coordinator, HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, gave the assurance when the Committee’s Chairman, Professor Don Baridam, led members to present the Report at the Project Coordination Office, PCO, in Port Harcourt.

Zabbey said the report will be submitted to the HYPREP Governing Council, while expressing optimism that the Council would fast-track operationalization of CEER, which also he commended the commitment and efforts of the 13-man Committee for its in developing the report.

Meanwhile, the PC maintained that establishing the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration would bring an enormous impact in Ogoni Land based on this monumental step taken in the remediation of hydrocarbon pollution in Ogoni and beyond.

Some of the key recommendations as contained in the Report include: a clear legal framework for the establishment of the CEER as an independent Centre of Excellence in Nigeria, the Centre be run under the 2016 Gazette of the Federal of Environment, setting up HYPREP, and the CEER should work within three pillars of training and research namely, environmental protection, remediation and restoration, livelihood support programmes for value chain actors and supporting safe food including clean water production from restored areas for public health restoration.

The report also proposed the following core curricula frameworks; damage assessment surveys for environmental restoration, environmental restoration project planning and design, environmental remediation project implementation, environmental remediation project management, environmental economics and management and development studies.

At over 80% completion the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration will among others serve as a data repository and hub for cutting-edge research in environmental remediation in the region. 

The report showed that the Centre will serve as: a hub for research, innovation, training, and policy developments, primarily dedicated to advancing the science and practice of environmental remediation and restoration, foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners and contribute to the development and implementation of effective environmental remediation and restoration, and livelihood enhancement strategies with a primary mandate to showcase and disseminate information on best practices in environmental remediation, restoration and management with special emphasis on the remediation of hydrocarbon pollution in soil, sediments, groundwater and air.

The TPC-CEER which was inaugurated on May 31, 2024 had four former Vice Chancellors, seasoned academics and environmentalists including: Prof Don Baridam (Chairman), Professor Joseph A. Ajienka, Professor Ndowa E.S. Lale, Prof Barineme Beke Fakae, Prof Chidi Ibe and Prof Roseline Konya. 

Others are: Prof Iyenemi Ibimina Kakulu, Prof Ben Naanen, Professor Alubabari Desmond Nbete, Prof Eucharia O. Nwaichi, Dr Evidence Ep-Aabari, Ms Soornaatah Nubari Nke-ee and Prof Ibisime Etela(Secretary).

Zabbey said: “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 in the CEER”

In compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that HYPREP should contribute to national food security, Prof. Zabbey announced the expansion of the Centre’s original remediation-related laboratories to include biotechnology. This, he explained, will enhance phytoremediation studies and crop improvement research to contribute to national food security and sovereignty.

Presenting the brief on the report, Officer Overseeing the CEER, Prof Ibisime Etele, highlighted the key deliverables of the TPC-CEER which include: the development of an advisory document on a Bill for 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.