National
We are committed to Ogoni clean-up project— FG
The Minister of State for the Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor, said this at a ministerial briefing on the ministry’s activities in Abuja.
Ikeazor said the ministry and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) had conducted an independent assessment of oil pollution in Ogoniland.
She said that UNEP’s report on the environmental assessment of Ogoniland had been submitted to the Federal Government, adding that the ministry was accelerating the remediation project and expanding the livelihoods program for communities affected by oil.
The minister said the needs assessment forms were intended to provide artisanal refiners with alternative livelihoods, through the acquisition of new skills.
She said around 500 youth from the community would be employed as local security at the various Oil Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) sites in the Ogoni onshore water supply.
“In accordance with UNEP recommendations, our drive to accelerate the provision of clean water to oil-affected communities in Ogoniland is gradually achieving results.
“In May 2021, contractors mobilized to six sites in Alesa Eleme, Ebubu and Nsisioken, Terrabo, Gokana, Barako/B-Dere/K-Dere and made significant progress.
“Communities in Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area now enjoy clean drinking water supply.
“The acquisition process for 14 additional water projects to cover other communities on Ogoni land is in the process of acquisition.
“The procurement process for the design of the Center of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, together with an Integrated Center for the Management of Contaminated Soils, in line with UNEP recommendations, has been initiated,” he said.
Ikeazor also said that Nigeria had developed an energy transition plan showing a detailed roadmap to achieve the seven net zero Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2060.
According to her, the roadmap highlights the scale of efforts required for a developing nation to reach net zero.
The minister said Nigeria’s sovereign green bond was issued in accordance with the country’s Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP), adding that the bonds were used to finance environmentally friendly projects through target-linked debt. of sustainability.
“In collaboration with the Nigerian Energy Commission, through the support and expertise of the UK Government, we launched the Nigerian Energy Calculator.
“This is a tool to generate evidence to support smart policy making around energy and climate change.
“The ministry has made considerable progress in dealing with environmental concerns in the country.
“This has been made possible through collaboration with other relevant organizations, both national and international, including MDAs, state and local governments,” he said.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Public Works and Housing Alhaji Mua’zu Sambo said his ministry would continue to work with its environmental counterpart to ensure environmental challenges are effectively addressed.
Sambo praised Ikeazor for its commitment to addressing environmental issues, adding that the efforts would help keep the environment safe.
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