Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has reaffirmed that the Ogoni clean-up remains a top priority for his ministry.
Lawal made the statement when the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, led a presidential delegation, including the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and senior officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited, on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
He said projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, are progressing steadily, including mangrove restoration, healthcare services, human capacity building, and women empowerment programmes.
Also speaking, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the company was fully committed to the ongoing Ogoni dialogue.
He added that the focus will now be on improving the lives of the people rather than oil activities.
The Federal Government has been in talks with the Ogoni people to resume oil exploration in the area after more than 30 years.
However, some rights groups and community members opposed the move, saying the land was still polluted.