The Nigerian Government has reiterated its dedication to improving public health in Ogoniland with the inauguration of a 14-member Technical Planning Committee for the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital (OSH).
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
The FG has reaffirmed its commitment to public health in Ogoni with the inauguration of a 14-member Technical Planning Committee to guide the operationalization of the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital through HYPREP. The Committee, chaired by Professor Christie N Mato, is tasked pic.twitter.com/CqMwisJylQ
— HYPREP (@HYPREPNigeria) May 29, 2025
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the HYPREP Project Coordination Office, Zabbey stated that the hospital forms a key component of the government’s broader public health strategy for the region.
He noted that the committee’s establishment represents a significant step toward making the hospital fully operational within the proposed timeframe.
According to Zabbey, both the Ogoni and Buan hospitals are part of HYPREP’s health intervention efforts aimed at tackling longstanding healthcare challenges in the area. These initiatives, he said, underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to the full implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report.
“This committee brings together professionals from diverse fields to ensure the hospital is sustainably operated,” he said.
He added that the team would ensure all planning aligns with national health policies, standards and regulations, and would design a comprehensive roadmap for the facility’s operations and governance.
“This includes establishing an efficient operational structure to position the hospital as a model for public healthcare delivery in line with global best practices,” Zabbey stated.
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He called on the committee to provide actionable recommendations within four months to address the health needs of the Ogoni people.
Professor Christie Mato, Chairperson of the Committee, commended HYPREP for the initiative and assured of the team’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate. She described the project as a “beacon of hope” for the Ogoni community.
Mato said the committee’s final report would be submitted to HYPREP for review and subsequently presented to the Governing Council for approval.
She revealed that the hospital was currently 76 per cent complete and would host specialised units such as Oncology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Emergency Services.
She added that the committee would define technical specifications and service scope for each unit.
Members of the committee include academics, healthcare professionals, community leaders, technical experts, and representatives from UNEP and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd.
