CONSERVATIONS NIGERIA

Category: Land

  • What Lagos will gain from banning styrofoam ‘take away packs’ and single us plastic materials

    What Lagos will gain from banning styrofoam ‘take away packs’ and single us plastic materials

    On Sunday, January 21, 2024 word came out that Lagos State, the economic capital of Nigeria has banned styrofoam and single use platic materials.

    Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s commissioner for environment and water resources recounted the menace caused by single use plastics in the state. Because they were non-biodegradable, the plastics clogged sewage channels and waterways, causing flash flood when it rained and costing billions of naira in cleaning up and damages.

    There have been outcries from food vendors and others about the issues that will come from the ban, but the upside is still more attractive than the downside.

    Banning single-use plastics and styrofoam containers offers multitudes of advantages, spanning environmental, health, and economic benefits. Here are some of the key highlights:

    Environmental Advantages:

    Reduced Waste: Single-use plastics and styrofoam contribute significantly to global plastic pollution. Banning them drastically curbs the amount of waste accumulating in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems, protecting wildlife and natural habitats.

    Minimized Microplastics: These tiny plastic fragments, often resulting from breakdown or improper disposal, pose a major threat to marine life and potentially human health. Bans help prevent their formation and entry into the food chain.

    Reduced Carbon Footprint: Plastic production and disposal involves high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Banning these materials translates to decreased reliance on fossil fuels and a smaller carbon footprint.
    Enhanced Recycling: By eliminating single-use options, focus shifts towards reusable and recyclable materials, leading to more efficient waste management and resource utilization.

    Health Advantages:

    Improved Public Health: Styrofoam can leach harmful chemicals like styrene and benzene when heated or exposed to certain foods. Banning its use reduces risks of these chemicals migrating into food and potentially impacting human health.

    Protected Marine Life: Sea turtles, birds, and other marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to choking, intestinal blockages, and even death. Reducing plastic pollution saves wildlife from these detrimental effects.
    Cleaner Water Sources: Microplastics and plastic pollution contaminate our water sources, posing potential health risks to humans and ecosystems. Banning single-use plastics helps mitigate this contamination and safeguard water quality.

    Economic Advantages:

    Job Creation: Transitioning to reusable and compostable alternatives can create new jobs in manufacturing, distribution, and repair of sustainable products. This fosters economic diversification and green business opportunities.
    Reduced Cleanup Costs: Plastic pollution cleanup presents enormous financial burdens to governments and communities. Banning single-use plastics minimizes these costs and redirects resources towards more productive endeavors.

    Tourism Revenue: Pristine beaches and healthy ecosystems attract tourists, boosting local economies reliant on tourism. Banning plastic pollution enhances environmental appeal and potentially increases tourism revenue.
    Banning single-use plastics and styrofoam containers is not without its challenges, but the numerous advantages in terms of environmental, health, and economic benefits make it a compelling long-term strategy for building a more sustainable and healthy future.

  • The 5 Rs of waste management: A guide to sustainable living

    The 5 Rs of waste management: A guide to sustainable living

    Waste management is a crucial aspect of sustainable living. As our population grows and our consumption increases, we generate more waste, leading to environmental problems such as pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. 

    However, through the use of the 5 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse, and repurpose, these issues can be addressed. 

    Reduce

    The first step in waste management is reducing the amount of waste we generate. We can strive to achieve this by choosing products with less packaging, using reusable items instead of disposable ones, and avoiding single-use items like plastic straws and bags. 

    By reducing our consumption, we can decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and reduce our impact on the environment. 

    Furthermore, we can reduce waste by being mindful of our consumption habits. Before purchasing anything, it is essential to evaluate the need for the product, and if we do need it, we can opt for products that are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and durable. 

    To make this eco-friendly choice, rather than using disposable plastic containers, we can opt for glass containers that can be used repeatedly. Also, we can reduce our energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances and turning off the lights when not in use.

    Reuse 

    The next step is to reuse items whenever possible. Many products can be used multiple times before they need to be discarded. For example, glass jars can be washed and used for storing food or household items, while cloth bags can be used for grocery shopping instead of plastic bags. Reusing items not only aids in reducing waste, it also saves money and resources.

    Practical ways in which reusing products can help save resources, money, and energy include not throwing away old clothes, these can be donated to charity organizations, where they can be repurposed and used by those in need. 

    Moreover, we can also reuse items like old furniture, toys, or electronic devices by repairing or refurbishing them, thus extending their lifespan.

    Recycle

    Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new products. Many materials, such as paper, plastic, and metal, can be recycled and made into new products. 

    Recycling helps reduce the need for virgin materials, saves energy, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to properly sort and dispose of recyclables to ensure they are recycled correctly.

    Recycling is an essential aspect of waste management that helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Items such as plastic bottles, paper, and metal cans can be recycled by depositing them in the appropriate recycling bins. Additionally, we can compost organic waste like food scraps, which can be turned into nutrient-rich soil for plants.

    Refuse 

    Refusing items that we don’t need is another way to reduce waste. For example, we can refuse free samples, promotional items, and unnecessary packaging. By saying “no” to things we don’t need, we can reduce the demand for those products and the waste they generate.

    Refusing unnecessary items is an important aspect of waste management that can help us reduce our environmental footprint. For instance, we can refuse plastic straws and carry our reusable ones or refuse single-use plastic bags and carry a cloth or reusable bags instead.

    Repurposing

    Repurposing is the process of using an item for a different purpose than what it was originally intended for. For example, old t-shirts can be turned into cleaning rags or used as cloth napkins. Repurposing items not only reduces waste but also encourages creativity and innovation.

    Repurposing items can help us reduce waste and save resources. We can turn old furniture into new and functional pieces by painting or redesigning them. Furthermore, we can also use old newspapers to create decorative items like paper mache sculptures or gift wrapping.

    In conclusion, waste management is an essential part of sustainable living, and the 5 R’s – reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse, and repurpose – are important ways to manage waste effectively. By implementing these practices, we can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and contribute to a healthier environment.

    As individuals, we can play a crucial role in waste management by adopting these practices in our daily lives. When we make small changes to our consumption habits, we can collectively make a significant impact on the environment and work towards a more sustainable future.

  • The menance of plastic waste pollution and probable solutions

    The menance of plastic waste pollution and probable solutions

    Plastic is a universal material that poses a considerable environmental threat. With less than 20% of plastics recycled globally, plastic waste is becoming increasingly prevalent. The growth in plastic production and consumption, particularly in single-use packaging, along with an inefficient waste management system, continues to worsen the issue.

    In Lagos – the economic capital of Nigeria – alone where about 9000 metric tons of waste is generated daily, 86% of that waste is made up of plastic bottles and bags. The real problem with plastic is that it does not break down naturally and can take approximately 500-1000 years to decompose, while in the process releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. PET bottles are particularly problematic as they are non-biodegradable and pose a significant threat to wildlife.

    To address the issue of plastic waste, collaborative efforts are needed from bottlers, governments, and NGOs. They can work together to support initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste, such as awareness campaigns, recycling infrastructure improvements, and the promotion of reusable bottles. 

    Governments can establish policies and regulations that promote sustainable packaging practices, and support research and innovation in alternative packaging materials and recycling technologies. NGOs can also play a critical role in raising awareness of the issue and promoting behavioral change among consumers.

    To curb PET waste, several probable solutions can be implemented immediately and these include:

    Promoting the use of reusable bottles through education and awareness campaigns, or by incentivizing their use through discounts or other incentives. 

    Improve recycling infrastructure by setting up more recycling centers, enforcing effective collection systems, and creating markets for recycled PET. 

    Added to that, governments can implement a bottle deposit system where consumers can receive rewards for returning bottles for recycling. 

    Conclusively, bottlers can explore the use of biodegradable alternatives to PET bottles and reduce the amount of packaging used.

    Collaboration is the key to tackling the issue of plastic waste. Every solution must be considered, and every option explored. By working together, we can create a sustainable future for all. 

  • Fourth Land Accelerator Africa opens for application

    Fourth Land Accelerator Africa opens for application

    The World Resources Institute (WRI) in partnership with AFR100 and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), is announcing that the application for the fourth Land Accelerator Africa opens through March 31, 2022.

    The Land Accelerator is the world’s first training and mentorship program which is tailored towards the needs of businesses that restore degraded forests, farmland, and pasture.

    The announcement was made in a statement posted online Wednesday. 

    Signed by Land Accelerator Africa Manager, World Resources Institute, Samuel Kabiru and Communications and Advocacy Officer, Teko Nhlapo, the statement emphasised that this year’s edition encourages women-led and youth-led companies to apply. 

    Applications from all African Union member countries are welcome, the statement said. 

    Land Accelerator lends its support to the AFR100 in its goal to restore 100 million hectares of Land by 2023 by providing Land-restorating entrepreneurs all over Africa with avenues for mentorship and networking, technical training, and workshops to build their storytelling and pitching skills, the statement announced further.

    At the close of the program participants are well equipped to connect with potential investors in order to take their businesses to the next phase of development. The program has attracted approximately 2,000 applicants across Africa.  So far 11,200 jobs have been created by the 110 alumni from 34 countries, they’ve worked with 56,000 farmers and have restored 127,000 hectares of land. 

    For the 2022 edition, an exciting approach is being adopted which includes:

    – Encouragement of all participants to attend an informal session on                                    Feb 22 for this year’s application process, focused on gender equity.

    – From among the applicants, the team will select 100 of Africa’s top restoration entrepreneurs, all of whom will benefit from the extensive online training and networking over three months. 

    – A panel of experts will then select the Top 15, who will benefit from one-on-one technical support and pitch their business to a room full of investors during an Impact Day in October 2022.

     

  • Former minister calls for speed in Ogoni land cleanup

    Former minister calls for speed in Ogoni land cleanup

    Former Minster of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, has said the cleaning up of Ogoniland in Rivers State, Nanka in Anambra and other polluted places should not continue for eternity.

    She made the remarks at the 13th meeting of the National Council of Environment (NCE) in Kaduna.

    READ ALSO: Ogoni cleanup: Group frowns at quality of HYPREP’s work

    Due to negligence on the part of the authorities the Ogoniland cleanup has tarried longer than it should, almost eight years after the receipt of the technical report prepared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the instance of the Federal Government.

    In her remarks, the former minister urged the Federal Government and the Ministry of Environment, in particular, to tie its activities to a timeframe, saying, “Works should not continue for eternity. There must be a starting point and there must be a goal.

    READ ALSO: Group questions Nigerian Government over Ogoni cleanup process

    “Say by the year X or by the month Y, you would have achieved something. The environment ministries are very important, but the quality of personnel in them will determine the standing.”

    She went on: “The world is interested in what we would call the 3Es – Education, Energy, and Environment.

    “The issues of pollutions, erosions are across the country from Nanka in Anambra State right to Zamfara State. It is real, and so are the issues of climate change.”

    In his opening address, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, said the event, with the theme, “Promoting Environmental Advocacy for Sustainable Development: A panacea For Achieving The Next Level Agenda”, is in tandem with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s desire to turn the economy around for good.

    He called on the private sector to seize the opportunity and invest in waste management, watershed management, renewable energy eco-tourism, green bond as well as encourage the implementation of the UNEP report for the remediation of Ogoniland and other efforts to remedy tainted places in other states.

    The minister reiterated the commitment of the ministry in achieving the target of planting 25 million trees as pledged by the president at the just concluded United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through massive afforestation and collaboration with state governments and other critical stakeholders.

    He said: “In spite of numerous challenges, this government has demonstrated the political will and true commitment in reviving the ‘Nigeria Project’ by dealing with immediate and pressing issues of improving security, tackling corruption and revitalising the national economy.

    “It is in the light of this that the government has to come up with a clear path, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG) 2017-2020. Pursuant to the objective of the ERPG plan in the environment sector, our discussions and deliberations will revolve around the objectives which the present administration has set to achieve for the nation.”

    Abubakar added: “ I wish to admonish our distinguished delegates to be guided by the spirit of nationalism and remain objective in considering the merits or otherwise of submitted council memoranda by applying the appropriate criteria as it relates to the ERPG set targets.”


  • Gombe losing 600m of land to desert encroachment annually, says GGP

    Gombe losing 600m of land to desert encroachment annually, says GGP

    The Gombe State Greener Project (GGP) has called for urgent action as the the rate of desert encroachment in the state hits 600 metres per annum.

    Acting Coordinator of GGP, Muhammad Tasiu made the call recently, warning that the phenomenon is degrading lands in the northern parts of the state.

    He noted that the menace prompted the establishment of the GGP, which is aimed at planting one million trees every year.

    “Our target is to plant four million trees in four years of this administration,” Taisu said.

    He explained the project is a mechanism the state government is putting in place to arrest the menace, which has claimed over 12 kilometres of land across the state in the last two decayed.

    “The environmental challenges in Gombe State is not limited to desertification. We are also prone to erosion problem, especially in the Gombe metropolis where we have severe gully erosion, the planting of more trees could also arrest the situation,” the Acting coordinator said.

    He added that about 11 non-governmental organisations had been engaged for the smooth running of the GGP which is in four sections.

    “The first component of the project is to plant trees in residential areas and in public places as well as in schools and to sensitise residents on the need and benefit of tree planting. It will also encourage planting of trees in our places of worship,” he pointed out.

    He noted that the project has creation of shelter belt in four local government areas in the northern part of the state.

    “We are working on the modalities of establishing the shelter belt which would arrest the issue of desert encroachment in the north,” he said.

    On the sustainability of the trees when planted, Muhammad explained that the project had entered into agreement with the Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operation (YESSO).

    ‘‘YESSO, a World Bank-assisted project in Gombe State will employ 27,000 youths that will watch over the trees and make sure they survive and grow. They will be paid N7, 500 every month’’ he said.

    He said another dimension of the project is how to address the issue indiscriminate felling of trees in the state.

    He lamented that on average, about 1000 trees are felled by firewood sellers’ everyday in Gombe State “and they don’t plant any tree. That is also a major challenge that the government want to look into.”

    The government official said the project would be flagged off by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya within the second week of August and those sites for the pilot project have been identified.

  • Overgrazing, others threaten Hadejia Nguru Wetlands – NCF

    Overgrazing, others threaten Hadejia Nguru Wetlands – NCF

    Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has named overgrazing, drought, excessive logging activities and poor management of upstream water development scheme as major threats to the continued existence of Hadejia Nguru Wetlands (HNW).

    The Director-General of the NCF, Dr Muhtari Aminu-Kano issued the statement in Lagos last week while warning that the HNW spanning Jigawa and Yobe States could be totally lost if the Federal Government fail to tackle the challenges.

    “These wetlands, made up of floodplain wetland comprising permanent water bodies and seasonally flooded areas,” the statement revealed.

    Aminu-Kano pointed oit further that the HNW is of international significance to Palaearctic and Afro tropical migratory water birds, with 423,166 individual birds from 68 species.

    Bird populations in the wetlands usually fluctuate at each seasonal counts and has attracted a lot of fanciers to the country. In 1989, Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh visited Borno State in his capacity as President of the Worldwide Fund for Nature.

    “He toured Dogana Village of Bade Local Government (now in Yobe State), where birds come from Europe to roost. This was the first time the HNW would receive international recognition. The area is now known as Waterfowl Sanctuary, a wetland sector of the Chad Basin National Park,” the NCF statement revealed.

    “The area around the HNW is of immense interest to bird-watchers particularly those seeking out endangered species. In 2000, the Marma Channel/Nguru Lake Complex of the wetland was designated a RAMSAR SITE, a first of its kind in Nigeria.”

    Giving other value of the wetland, the firm said the HNW had long been known as a centre of fish production.

    “The economic value of fish production from the flood plains adds weight to the argument in favour of maintaining the annual flooding of the wetlands. Moreover, the significance of fishing goes beyond its value in monetary terms. Fishing plays an important role in the flexibility and adaptability of the rural economy in the flood plains,” it stated.

    The foundation also noted that a reduction in the flexibility through degradation of the fishery resource could have serious repercussions on the ability of communities to adapt to fluctuations in their environment.

    “Many people are involved in the fisheries and so the social consequences of any appreciable reduction in productivity will be felt throughout the area,” Aminu-Kano said.

  • WATER, FCPF others move to save Cross River forest

    WATER, FCPF others move to save Cross River forest

    A non-governmental organization, Wise Administration of Terrestrial Environment (WATER) has organised an “institutional capacity building workshop to check the massive degrading of rainforest in Cross River state.

    The event funded by the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) through the Kenyan based Mainyoito Pastoralist Integrated Development Organisation (MPIDO), was meant to x-ray the participation of communities in REDD+ (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) and to seek ways of improve the processes leading to meaningful participation in forest preservation.

    WATER Programme Coordinator, Chief Edwin Ogar said the capacity training programme with participants drawn from different communities and organisations in the state, was aimed at identifying the gaps in terms of government, Private sector and NGOs working together with communities. The programme , he stressed was also meant to identify ways to improve the collaboration as forest communities in the state are still far from what is obtainable elsewhere in the world in terms of participation by local communities in development and forest management.

    Ogar said only one community is doing something unique to protect her forest with support from outside while the rest of the communities are lagging far behind.

    According to him, unknown timber merchants for some time are entering the forests in Boki and Akamkpa axis and tearing away the Afi River Forest Reserve (ARFR) in Abo Ogbagante village which is an important corridor linking the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary to the Mbe Mountains and the Okwango Division of Cross River National Park.

    The capacity training programme, he said is basically is to enable the participants identify those gaps and proffer solutions so that we send those information for WATER partners to use as a tool to ensure that things are done properly here in Nigeria” in terms of forest protection.

    Delivering a lecture at the training programme, the Engagement and management Specialist for Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) in Cross River state, Mr. Tony Attah said REDD+ is disturbed with the alarming rate of deforestation following the introduction of forest moratorium in the state.

    He stressed that over 140,000 hectares of forest were lost between 2007 and 2014, hence REDD+ readiness to sign in the state and stakeholders strategy developed to safeguard the forest level emission and measurement reporting for verification with over $800,000 put into it.

    As a follow up, Attah stated that over $300,000 will be released by REDD+ to develop an investment plan by ensuring that there is effective participation in forest protection and development of community based projects between now and 2020.

  • Ogoni cleanup: Remediation commences in 16 sites says Zarma

    Ogoni cleanup: Remediation commences in 16 sites says Zarma

    The Federal Government of Nigeria says it has commenced remediation exercise in 16 sites affected by oil pollution, across the four local government areas in Ogoniland. The immediate past minister of environment, Suleiman Hassan Zarma, made the announcement on behalf of the Federal Government in Abuja during his valedictory press briefing and presentation of the ministry’s four-year achievement.

    In 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the clean up of Ogoniland as recommended by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), resulting in the set up of a new Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).  

    According to Zarma, that federal government handed over the clean-up of additional five sites to contractors approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last month.

    Sulaiman Hassan Zarma

    He said that federal government started sensitisation and engagement of communities and stakeholders in all the local government areas since 2016 and that over 21,000 patients were treated through community health outreaches.

    “Scooping/delineating of phase 1 remediation sites are ongoing while procurement for phase II remediation have fully commenced,” he noted.

    While stating that water facility inventory, sampling and surveys were ongoing in partnership with RSG, he pointed out that the process of rehabilitation of existing water facilities has commenced in Ogoni land.  

    He described the flag-off of the Ogoniland clean-up exercise as unprecedented feat that heralds President Buhari’s  determination to restore and maintain the ecosystem, ecological process and preserve biodiversity in Nigeria.

    Zarma hinted that NESREA has issued about 804 air quality, waste and toxic substances permit as well as 14 eco-guard certificate to various industries and facilities. He disclosed that the agency developed one additional regulation on healthcare waste control which has been transmitted to the Federal Ministry of Justice and gazetted as a national environmental regulation. The minister disclosed that PMB – led administration under the ‘Change’ mantra has recorded significant progress in securing a quality and conducive environment by promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, likewise in the development of programmes that affect the environment.  

    He stated that Nigeria was championing the fight against illegal wildlife trade in the West African region, a situation that led  to the development of a West African Strategy on Combating Wildlife Crimes (WASCWC). According to Zarma, this would be presented at the Conference of Parties (COP) 18 of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Flora and Fauna (CITES).

    Zarma added that the ministry has developed National Forest Investment Programme (NFIP), expected to run from 2019 to 2023, adding that CITES has consistently served as key revenue earner for government. On the activities of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), he emphasised that about 10 indigenous tree species were planted on 834.6 hectares of land in 2018 through the National Afforestation Project (NAP). He pointed out that the institute has commenced research into biotechnological approach to mass production and multiplication of endangered and economic tree plant.

    He revealed that the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has embarked on routine review and activation of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP), Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan (ROSCP) and Facility’s Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP). He said that NOSDRA’s laboratories were currently renovated for effective regulation and certification of polluted sites.    

    The minister informed the gathering that the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) had produced 4,145,070m assorted forest and fruit tree seedlings for various afforestation, land rehabilitation and restoration projects in the front line states. Great Green Wall is an African Union Initiative covering 11 frontline states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauch, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi, with focus on afforestation and land restoration.

    While stating that NAGGW established  389.96km shelterbelt and 293ha community woodlots, he said it developed a robust framework for the promotion of alternative livelihoods in the frontline states, expected to serve as incentive for community ownership of afforested land. He disclosed that Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) supported the development of a framework for adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as low carbon alternative to firewood and kerosene. This was aimed at reducing environmental pollution from use of kerosene, likewise to curtail felling of trees used as firewood, noting that NEWMAP started with six participating states at inception and has extended to 21 participating states, Zarma said.

    The NEWMAP is a World Bank-assisted project aimed at addressing gully erosion crisis in the south-east and land degradation in the north.

    Also speaking at the event, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, commended Zarma for securing notable accomplishments in climate change issues, including improved access to Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the issuance of Sovereign Green Bond and among others.

    She stated that the minister also initiated various environmental policies and programmes targeted at addressing environmental pollution, land degradation, biodiversity and efficient framework for the effective management of the environment. Odusote commended Zarma for addressing various ecological challenges facing different parts of the nation as well as his commitment towards ensuring the establishment of shelterbelts across the country to protect desert encroachment and desertification.

  • Minister, others visit UK over Ogoni clean up

    Minister, others visit UK over Ogoni clean up

    Nigeria’s minister of environment, Suleiman Hassan Zarma and other senior government officials are on a working visit to the United Kingdom for the successful clean-up of Ogoni oil spill.

    It was gathered that the trip was facilitated by the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) to enable the delegates to understand global best practices in the remediation of other sites contaminated by oil pollution across the country.

    Minister of Environment, Suleiman Hassan Zarma

    Members of the governing council of Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP) who are part of the tour are expected to visit five sites in the United Kingdom — Biogénie’s Trecatti and Redhill soil treatment facilities in South Wales and South East England respectively, the Coed Darcy regeneration project in South Wales, the former Avenue Coking Works in the East Midlands, and ALS Laboratories in North West England.

    The sites would provide an opportunity for HYPREP’s governing council to witness the redeveloped land.  Around three-quarters of the site were restored for open space, community and ecological uses, while the remaining areas were used for residential and commercial purposes.

    According to a statement signed by the ministry’s director of press, Mr Saghir Mohammed, the visit would also enable the delegates to observe an extensive range of in-situ and ex-situ remediation techniques, such as soil washing, bioremediation, thermal desorption, separating techniques, and among others.

    It was envisaged that these demonstrations and visits would build HYPREP’s capacity to reuse and recycle many sites and worn-out materials, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the clean-up exercise.

    ” The delegates, expected to visit the Chester laboratory in north-west England would focus on quality, accreditation, sample preparation, analysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, reporting, and interpretation of analysis,” Mohammed’s statement revealed.

    During the tour, they are expected to identify the aspects that could be replicated in Nigeria in order to increase the overall quality of indigenous laboratories.

    UNEP’s 2011 assessment of Ogoniland revealed that bringing back important ecosystems to full productive health could take up to 30 years. The report had recommended that a $1 billion should be set aside for the first five years of remediation activities. Upon completion, the clean-up of Ogoniland could serve as a model for replication in both Nigeria and the region.

    Experts had stated that the restoration of Ogoniland initiated by the federal government could prove to be the world’s most complex and longest oil clean-up exercise ever undertaken. This is why UNEP in its 2011 assessment report highlighted the severe and widespread contamination due to oil production spanning several decades.