President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the governing council and board of trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, will now chair the newly reconstituted governing council.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced the changes in a statement on Monday.

The new council members include Loanyie Barituka Victor, representing environmental non-governmental organisations, and Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure, representing the Niger Delta communities. Barinedum Nwibere and Baride Gwezia will represent the Ogoni community on the Council.

The nine oil-producing states are represented by Gideon Onyebuwa and Ibikunle Omotehinse.

Four alternate members were named as Abraham Olungwe and Maeba Ekpobari for Ogoniland, and Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei for the Niger Delta.

The president also reconstituted the HYPREP board of trustees, reappointing Emmanuel Deeyah as chairman. Fred Igwe and Fred Kpakol will represent Ogoni communities and stakeholders on the board.

Dorcas Amos represents the other Niger Delta communities, while Jide Damazio, reappointed, represents the non-governmental organisations dealing with environmental issues.

(NAN)