Abia to Enforce Waste Bins in Commercial Vehicles from April 1

The Abia State Government has announced plans to enforce the use of waste bins in all commercial vehicles across the state, beginning April 1, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the directive is an initiative of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) aimed at improving cleanliness and ensuring proper waste disposal. He explained that all commercial vehicles will be required to provide waste bins for passengers.

He added that strict enforcement measures would be implemented, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustaining the progress made in environmental sanitation across the state.

Kanu highlighted ASEPA’s achievements, noting that the agency has received recognition both within and outside Nigeria for significantly improving the state’s environment, particularly in Aba, the commercial hub.

He observed that Aba, once regarded as one of the dirtiest cities in the country, has been transformed into one of the cleanest urban centres, following Governor Otti’s declaration of a state of emergency on waste management at the start of his administration.

The commissioner also referenced a recent visit by the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche, who commended the improved level of cleanliness in the state.

Quoting Kanu, “He expressed amazement at the level of cleanliness across the state, which was not the case about three years ago.”

Kanu further revealed that ASEPA has intensified monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations, with several businesses sanctioned and premises sealed for non-compliance until necessary corrections were made.

On environmental interventions, he said the Ministry of Environment and Urban Renewal has undertaken major erosion control and flood management projects in areas including Amiyi and Amaogudu in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Elugwu Nkata in Umuahia North, and Iyama and Iberenta in Ikwuano, where reclamation works have been completed.

He noted that additional erosion control projects are nearing completion, reflecting the government’s commitment to tackling environmental degradation across the state.

On social development, Kanu announced that Abia would commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day on March 31 in Umuahia, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti. The event, themed “Give to Gain,” will promote philanthropy, especially among women, to support vulnerable groups.

Also speaking, ASEPA General Manager, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, said the agency would begin full enforcement of its “Operation Show Your Waste Bin” campaign from April 1, targeting all commercial vehicles.

Okereke warned that the agency’s monitoring teams are active across the state and that violators would face sanctions. He also cautioned residents against indiscriminate waste disposal and urged strict adherence to sanitation regulations.