NEWS
Abia State Govt to Mandate Waste Bins in All Commercial Vehicles as Part of Governor Alex Otti’s Drive for Environmental Transformation
In a bold move to sustain the gains of environmental cleanliness and public sanitation achieved under Governor Alex Otti’s administration, the Abia State Government has announced plans to enforce the mandatory display of waste bins in all commercial vehicles across the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on Monday at Government House, Umuahia, following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Prince Kanu, the initiative is scheduled for launch on April 1st, 2026, and aims to instill proper waste disposal habits among commuters while further strengthening the state’s sanitation framework.
“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,“ the Commissioner stated.
He added that the transformation of Abia from one of the dirtiest states in Nigeria to one of the cleanest is a testament to the administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Prince Kanu recalled that Governor Otti had, at the inception of his administration, declared a state of emergency on waste management, a move that has produced visible results.
The Commissioner further highlighted the commendation by Pastor Paul Eneche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, who expressed admiration for the remarkable cleanliness observed across the state during his recent visit.
Prince Kanu emphasized that the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has maintained a strong enforcement regime, ensuring compliance with environmental standards among businesses and industries. Several establishments were recently sealed for violating regulations and only reopened after meeting stipulated standards.
He also detailed significant environmental reclamation efforts undertaken by the state government, including:
— Reclamation of the Amaiyi Amaogudu gully erosion in Isuikwuato LGA.
— Flood control and reclamation works at Elugwu Nkata in Umuahia North LGA.
— Completion of the Iyalu-Iberenta flood and gully erosion control works in Oro-Ibere autonomous community, Ikwuano LGA, giving affected communities much-needed relief.
“All these, therefore, speak to the state government’s agenda to provide solutions to instances of environmental degradation through the erosions across the state,” Prince Kanu stated.
Answering questions from journalists, ASEPA General Manager, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, revealed that the government is advancing sustainable waste management through strategic partnerships.
“The government has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a private company to deliver an end-to-end waste management solution. This goes beyond waste collection to converting waste into valuable resources,” he said.
Mazi Okereke explained that ongoing initiatives include recycling plastics into reusable materials, with facilities operational along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and within the ASEPA premises in Aba.
Additionally, a facility donated by FIBRA, an NGO focused on post-packaging recycling, is contributing to the state’s waste management efforts.
He further revealed that the next phase will involve converting organic waste into diesel and other hydrocarbon products, describing it as a major step toward achieving a circular economy in Abia State.
However, the General Manager expressed concern over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse at unauthorized locations, particularly in Umuahia, urging residents to use designated waste disposal points.
“Our focus covers every part of the state, across all 17 local government areas. We urge the media to partner with government in sensitizing the public against illegal dumping. This government belongs to the people, and its success depends on their cooperation,” he said.
The briefing was attended by Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, and Comrade S.O. Be Igwe, SSA to the Governor on New Media.
With these initiatives, Abia State under Governor Alex Otti continues to set benchmarks for environmental sustainability, demonstrating that effective governance can transform public health, sanitation, an
d urban aesthetics across the state.