WHO probes hydrocarbon exposure in Ogoniland

2026-02-25 - 03:06

THE World Health Organisation has begun a comprehensive health study of Ogoniland, Rivers State, to investigate the prevalence of ailments associated with long-term exposure to hydrocarbons. This initiative aligns with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme report, which called for a follow-up health study to complement the environmental remediation of the oil-devastated area. The health study is being conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an agency under WHO. The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, had in July 2025 stated that the agency commissioned WHO to carry out the study as part of the ongoing implementation of the UNEP report. Speaking during a visit to the traditional rulers of Gokana and Tai local government areas on Tuesday, Lead Scientist of IARC, Ann Olysson, said the study is part of the UNEP recommendations for Ogoni. She stated, “We are about, with your permission, to begin a study that was originally recommended by the UNEP study. We are in collaboration with HYPREP to conduct the tests, and the choice of our agency to conduct the study is in international recognition for this type of research.” Project Coordinator of UNEP and the lead researcher of the 2009–2011 study, Mr Michael Cowing, which led to the report, said one of the key recommendations was this health assessment of the Ogoni population. Cowing further said the study, which is expected to last nearly three years, began in mid-2025 with desk work, mapping, and preliminary research. He noted that the study will cover 4,000 participants across both the most impacted and non-impacted communities to ascertain results. “And now, with your approval, we are going to engage in the fieldwork. Simply put, across Ogoniland, we’re looking to have approximately 4,000 participants representing the most impacted communities. “We know where the epicentres of contamination are. We’ve plotted the communities on those maps, and they will be the impacted communities where we will focus the study. But we are also conducting studies in unimpacted communities for comparison. “We will be looking at people involved in specific activities, whether farming, fishing, sand mining, or artisanal refining, to assess different levels of exposure to hydrocarbons. So it’s going to be a very comprehensive study,” he said. Professor Iyenemi Kakulu, of the Department of Land Management at Rivers State University, said participants will be scientifically selected for the study. Kakulu stated, “We are here on a friendly note to ask for your support, to grant us access to your kingdom, so that we can interact with your people and intentionally select participants for the study. “Basically, we will speak to people in their homes in some scientifically selected communities. We will seek your permission to speak with community chiefs and gain access to conduct our work. “We are also interested in occupational hazards. People exposed by the nature of their work in and around Ogoniland will be subjects of interest. We will talk to them and seek their voluntary consent to participate in the study, which involves collecting some personal data and human samples, such as blood and urine.” Earlier, HYPREP Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, represented by the Director of Technical Services, Prof. Damian Paul-Aguiyi, told the traditional councils that the delegation sought support for adequate security, sensitisation, and collaboration. He emphasised that the study is not a contracted job and called on the traditional rulers to provide an enabling environment for the team to carry out their work. Responding, the King of Tai Kingdom, HRM Samuel Nnee, assured the delegation of the support of his people. He noted that before the advent of oil exploration, the Ogonis—and indeed Africans—lived longer. The monarch said, “Whatever support you need, I can assure you that you will have it because we are talking about the health of our people.” Nnee added that initially, the people doubted that HYPREP would carry out the remediation. “But I can tell you the truth—we have seen results. HYPREP went beyond cleaning the soil and implemented livelihood programs that have reawakened the potential of our children. “Today, our children are thriving in every sphere of life. If you see the programs packaged by HYPREP, you will marvel that Ogoni sons and daughters are now licensed to do many things we never imagined years ago.” He continued, “So I want to welcome you. I pray God continues to bless this initiative. I’ve been part of this process and will continue to be, because it is my responsibility to speak for my people.” On his part, the King and Natural Ruler of Gokana Kingdom, HRM Festus Paago Bagia (Gberesaakoo XIII), represented by the Traditional Ruler of Goi community, Mene Stephen Kobani, assured the visiting team of the support of his people, describing the study as a welcome development.