EVALUATION OF STRATEGIES FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION OF HYDROCARBON POLLUTED SITES IN THE NIGER DELTA -A CASE STUDY OF THE OGONI HYDREP PROJECT

ABSTRACT The Niger Delta, particularly Ogoniland, has suffered extensive environmental degradation, health challenges, and socio-economic disruption due to hydrocarbon pollution. In response, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) was established to implement environmental restoration and sustainable remediation strategies. This study critically evaluates HYPREP’s remediation strategies, assesses their effectiveness, and benchmarks them against international best practices. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations, with purposive sampling of 100 participants from Bodo, K-Dere, and Goi communities. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were examined thematically. Results reveal that residents perceive pollution levels as high, with significant health and socio-economic consequences. Although HYPREP’s interventions have achieved some progress, issues such as slow implementation, limited community engagement, and governance gaps persist. Comparisons with prior studies and global experiences highlight the need for integrated remediation methods, sustained monitoring, and enhanced stakeholder participation. The study provides practical recommendations to improve environmental restoration in Ogoniland and offers insights that can be applied to other hydrocarbon-affected areas in the Niger Delta.