In 2021, a satellite captured a startling image over the Niger Delta, revealing extensive land that had been stripped of its natural vegetation. This specific area near Port Harcourt was part of a cleanup initiative overseen by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aimed at revitalizing farmland that had been devastated by numerous oil spills. Unfortunately, the land appeared as a barren “moonscape,” no longer suitable for agriculture, according to U.N. reports.
This subpar cleanup effort appears to be part of a broader trend, as revealed by internal documents that highlight serious concerns voiced by U.N. officials regarding the effectiveness of the Nigerian agency responsible for managing oil spill cleanups, known as the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (Hyprep). These documents, including investigations and communications with Nigerian ministers, indicate that Hyprep has been plagued by systemic failures and questionable practices in its operations.
The Niger Delta has suffered from thousands of oil spills since oil exploration began in Nigeria during the 1950s. Locals frequently utilize contaminated water for drinking, cooking, and fishing, exacerbating public health issues. Spills continue to disrupt communities, as evidenced by recent incidents in the Ogboinbiri community, where farmers reported losing their entire harvests and income due to repeated spills from illegal pipeline tapping.
A decade ago, a U.N. survey led to commitments from oil companies, including a $1 billion cleanup fund specifically for Ogoniland, where Shell invested $300 million. However, management of these funds was left to the Nigerian government, relegating the U.N. to a supporting role. Hyprep was established to lead cleanups, initially targeting easier sites before tackling those that required more intensive remediation efforts. Yet, a confidential assessment by U.N. scientists has indicated that some sites, like the one near Port Harcourt, were left with dangerous levels of petroleum—a situation contradictory to the cleanup’s intended outcomes.
The U.N. review also highlighted that Hyprep’s contractors often lacked the necessary experience and qualifications, with many being construction firms with no background in environmental cleanup. In one meeting, Hyprep’s own communications chief acknowledged that inadequate hiring practices were compromising cleanup efforts. Although Zabbey, the current director of Hyprep, maintains that improvements have been made, concerns linger over the integrity and effectiveness of the cleanup operations.
Furthermore, allegations of unreliable lab testing have come to light. Two anonymous sources indicated that laboratories employed by Hyprep lacked the equipment to conduct valid tests, raising significant doubts about the accuracy of reported cleanup results. One lab acknowledged flaws in its testing methods, while the U.N. noted that contractors were allowed to self-assess pollution levels, creating a potential conflict of interest without any governmental oversight.
The U.N. also critiqued the lack of accountability at Hyprep, with internal auditors facing hostility and being obstructed from conducting thorough assessments. In response, Zabbey claims that audits are now being conducted annually and that changes have been implemented to ensure that the agency operates with greater transparency. Still, evidence presented raises questions about the authenticity of these claims.
Former Environment Minister Sharon Ikeazor, who had previously expressed concern over Hyprep’s operational shortcomings, recalled that the cleanup process was severely flawed. After receiving warnings from U.N. officials about potential malpractice within the agency, she attempted to initiate reforms. While she succeeded in removing Shekwolo from direct oversight, her tenure was cut short when she was replaced only a few months later, and Shekwolo was reinstated.
As the situation remains precarious, the UNEP opted to sever ties with Hyprep last year, citing a conclusion of its five-year consultancy as well as frustration over persistent issues related to corruption and ineffectiveness. The ongoing struggles reveal a complex interplay of governance, accountability, and environmental safety in one of Nigeria’s most affected regions, leaving local communities to endure the consequences of inaction and mismanagement.
