A Nigerian environmental group has accused the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) of failing to pay several contracted workers for months. The allegation adds fresh pressure on the agency, which is already facing scrutiny after two water tank collapsed recently in Rivers State.
The group, Community Advancement Initiatives, said the non-payment has pushed many workers into financial distress. It noted that most of the affected workers rely on monthly wages to support their families and have no alternative source of income.
Speaking to our reporter, the organisation’s coordinator, Friday Edoo Nekabari, said HYPREP engaged the workers to operate and maintain stations across Ogoniland but has not met its obligations. He described the situation as “unfair and harmful,” stressing that the delay has left several families struggling to cover basic needs.
Nekabari said the workers have remained committed to their duties despite the unpaid months. He warned that continued delays could undermine morale and slow ongoing operations tied to the Ogoni cleanup.
The claims come after two HYPREP linked water tank collapsed in Gokana and Eleme last month. The incidents triggered wider criticism of the agency’s project management and its oversight of contractors. Local communities say the failures reflect deeper issues within the cleanup programme.
Nekabari urged HYPREP to clear the outstanding salaries immediately. He also called for stronger transparency measures and independent monitoring of the agency’s work. According to him, public trust in the cleanup effort is weakening, and confidence will continue to erode if operational lapses persist.
HYPREP has not commented on the salary allegations. The agency has also not released a detailed report on the collapsed tanks, although it previously confirmed that investigations were underway.
Environmental groups and community leaders are now urging the Nigerian government to review HYPREP’s operations. They warn that unresolved problems could threaten one of Africa’s most significant environmental restoration projects.
