Senate threatens to arrest HYPREP coordinator over $360m Ogoni cleanup

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The Nigerian Senate’s Public Accounts Committee has warned Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), that he risks arrest if he fails to appear before the committee on February 4, 2025. This follows his repeated failure seven times to honor legislative invitations to account for the $360 million allocated for the Ogoni cleanup project. The committee, led by Senator Aliyu Wadada, is investigating concerns over the project’s transparency and accountability.

Senator Wadada expressed frustration over Professor Zabbey’s persistent absence and last-minute rescheduling requests, which have obstructed efforts to scrutinize HYPREP’s financial dealings. The committee seeks detailed explanations on the utilization of project funds, appropriations in past budgets, additional allocations, and tax remittances for the years 2022–2024. Lawmakers are particularly concerned about the lack of progress in the Ogoniland cleanup, despite the substantial funds released for the initiative.

In an ultimatum, the Senate committee has given Professor Zabbey until February 4 to appear before them or face legal consequences under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Lawmakers stressed that HYPREP must provide full accountability for its operations, including financial transactions and project execution timelines, to ensure transparency and effective environmental remediation in the Niger Delta.

Source: BUSINESS DAY

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