Environmental Sanitation: Abia advances to Waste Management, As enforcement of Retaining Waste Bins in Commercial Vehicles Begins April 1  

As Abia State begins enforcement of mandatory keeping of waste bins in commercial vehicles for waste collection on April 1, 2026, the state Environmental Sanitation Authority (ASEPA) says the state has advanced from waste disposal to waste management.

General Manager of ASEPA, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, made this known after the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, had announced that from April 1, 2026, all commercial vehicles in Abia must compulsorily have waste bins in their vehicles.
Kanu said the move aims to sustain the standard of environmental cleanliness attained in the state since Governor Alex Otti came to power in 2023.

Both Kanu and Ogbonnia spoke at a joint Press Briefing Monday to intimate journalists of the outcome of the weekly Stae Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the enforcement would be launched on April 1, 2026, to promote proper waste disposal habits among commuters and further strengthen the state’s sanitation framework.
“May I inform us that ASEPA will commence monitoring of 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 emphasised that the transformation of Abia from one of the dirtiest states in the country to one of the cleanest, remains a testament to the Otti administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

He recalled that the Governor had, at inception of his administration, declared a state of emergency on waste management, which, he said, has yielded results.

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

The Commissioner stated that ASEPA has intensified its monitoring and enforcement of environmental standards among businesses and industries, revealing that some establishments were recently sealed for violating environmental regulations, and were reopened only after complying with stipulated standards.

The Commissionerdisclosed that the state government, through the Ministry of Environment, has successfully reclaimed the Amaiyi Amaogudu gully erosion in Isuikwuato local government , carried out flood control and reclamation works at Elugwu Nkata in Umuahia Northlocal government, while the Iyalu – Iberenta flood and gully erosion control works in Oro-Ibere autonomous community, Ikwuano local government has been completed and the affected sites fully reclaimed, with members of the benefiting communities heaving a sigh of relief.

He noted that other erosion control works being handled by the Ministry of Environment through direct labour.

“All these, therefore, speak to the state government’s agenda to provide solutions to instances of environmental remediation through the erosion menace across the state,” he said.

Responding to questions, the General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, disclosed that the government was advancing in efforts to sustain 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.
Okereke explained that the ongoing initiatives include recycling of plastics into reusable materials, with facilities already operational along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and within the ASEPA premises in Aba.
He added that a facility donated by FIBRA, an NGO with interest in post-packaging recycling, was also contributing to the state’s waste management drive.

He further stated that the next phase of the project would involve converting organic waste to diesel and other hydrocarbon products, describing it as a major leap towards achieving a circular economy in Abia State.
The General Manager however, expressed concern over indiscriminate dumping of refuse at unauthorized locations, particularly in Umuahia.
He appealed to residents to support efforts of government by making use of 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.
Special Adviser to the Governor on media and publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the SSA to the Governor of New media, comrade S .O.B Igwe were present at the briefing.