The Federal Government has reiterated that the Ogoni clean-up remains a top priority, with Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal emphasizing continued progress on key projects.

Lawal made the statement during a visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt by a presidential delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, including Minister of Works David Umahi and senior officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

He highlighted that initiatives recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are advancing steadily, covering mangrove restoration, healthcare services, human capacity development, and women empowerment programs.

NNPC Group CEO Bayo Ojulari also assured that the company remains fully committed to ongoing dialogue with the Ogoni people, stressing that the focus is on improving local livelihoods rather than oil activities.

The Federal Government has been engaging with the Ogoni community regarding the resumption of oil exploration after more than 30 years, although some rights groups and residents remain concerned about lingering pollution.