Abia State Reintroduces Sanitary Inspectors to Safeguard Public Health and Promote a Cleaner Environment

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and promoting environmental cleanliness through the reintroduction of the sanitary inspection exercise across the state.

The initiative, which forms part of Governor Alex Otti’s broader strategy to improve health and hygiene standards, was a key highlight of the week’s Executive Council Meeting. Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Sir Okey Kanu, emphasized that sanitation remains one of the top priorities of the present administration.

According to him, residents are expected to cooperate fully with sanitary inspectors as they embark on routine inspections of homes, offices, markets, and communities. He revealed that significant progress has already been recorded, as Environmental Health Officers visited about 4,500 premises across 85 communities in August alone.

While stressing the importance of community participation in the exercise, Prince Kanu warned sanitary inspectors against exploiting their positions for personal gain. He made it clear that their mandate is strictly to enforce established environmental regulations and fines, not to extort residents.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, also underscored the critical role of residents in ensuring the program’s success. He urged households and communities across all 17 local government areas to embrace proper waste management practices and maintain high levels of hygiene. He explained that sanitary inspectors will be conducting door-to-door visits to ensure compliance and to create a culture of cleanliness across the state.

In his contribution, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, noted that the sanitary inspection program is not just about enforcing laws but about safeguarding lives. He said the policy aligns perfectly with the Otti administration’s vision of building a healthier, cleaner, and more livable Abia State.

The reintroduction of sanitary inspectors marks a decisive step in the government’s public health and environmental strategy, aimed at preventing outbreaks of disease while also instilling a culture of environmental responsibility among citizens.