The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is preparing for its massive clean up operation in the Niger Delta. Reports suggest that the Ogoni are satisfied with the plans for phase one.

Below is an article written by Jimitota Onoyume, that appeared in the Vanguard.

PORT HARCOURT—AS the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) gets ready to begin clean up of spill sites in Ogoni the body has assured that it would remain firm and committed to its set goals in the area.

The Country Director, Mr. Turhan Saleh who spoke yesterday [19 April 2007] in Port Harcourt while unfolding an outlay of the proposed environmental survey of the area said clean up of the area would be the most challenging task his body would be taking up in recent times.

He therefore urged the Ogoni to give them all the support to achieve their aims.

According to him, the first phase of the project which would include visits to spill sites, consultations with the people, recruitment and training of both local and expatriate staff, etc, would run from March this year to April next year. Adding, he pleaded with the people to ensure the safety of their facilities as they were set to meet the deadline given for the project.

Saleh also assured the people that the second phase of the clean up would deal with environmental contamination in the area.

The Presidential Facilitator on Ogoni, Rev. Fr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, who also spoke, said UNEP would be very transparent and dispassionate in the discharge of its assignment in the area. Rev. Kukah said that as the world’s moral policeman, the United Nations, or any of its agencies, will not engage in acts that would undermine its name, stressing that the organisation will, however, consider the people in recruitments, where necessary, for the job.