Abia begins enforcement of mandatory waste bins in commercial vehicles

As part of measures to sustain environmental cleanliness and public sanitation, the Abia State Government has begun the enforcement of mandatory waste bins in commercial vehicles across the State.

It is expected that the new measure would enhance the successes already achieved in the area of environmental cleanliness by the Governor Alex Otti administration.

Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Monday, at Government House, Umuahia after the week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the initiative, which would be launched on April 1st, 2026, was aimed at promoting proper waste disposal habits among commuters and further strengthening the state’s sanitation framework.

He noted that the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has continued to make significant strides in maintaining hygienic standards across the state, thereby earning both national and international commendations.

“May I inform us that ASEPA will commence the mandatory display of waste bins in all commercial vehicles in the state for use by passengers.

“This is to support, promote, and enhance the cleanliness of the state. Enforcement will be formally announced on the 1st of April, 2026,”Kanu stated.

He stressed that the transformation of Abia from one of the dirtiest States to one of the cleanest states in Nigeria remained a testament to the administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Kanu recalled that the governor had, at the inception of his administration, declared a state of emergency on waste management, a move that has yielded visible results.

He further highlighted the commendation by a renowned cleric, Paul Eneche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, who recently expressed admiration for the remarkable cleanliness observed across the state during his visit.

The commissioner stated that ASEPA had intensified its monitoring and enforcement of environmental standards among businesses and industries.

He revealed that some establishments were recently sealed up for violating environmental regulations and were only reopened after complying with stipulated standards.

Kanu revealed that the State Government through the Ministry of Environment had successfully reclaimed the Amaiyi Amaogudu gully erosion in Isuikwuato LGA and done flood control and reclamation works at Elugwu Nkata in Umuahia North LGA.

He said the Iyalu-Iberenta flood and gully erosion control works in Oro-Ibere autonomous community, Ikwuano Local Government Area had been completed and the affected sites fully reclaimed with members of the benefiting communities heaving sighs of relief.