By Izuchukwu Nwokoma
The Abia State Government has announced plans to begin strict enforcement of the ASEPA waste bin policy for commercial vehicle and tricycle operators as part of efforts to sustain improvements in environmental sanitation across the state.
The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) disclosed that enforcement of the policy will commence on April 1, 2026, in line with the state government’s drive to maintain Abia’s growing reputation as one of the cleanest states in Nigeria under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking while addressing journalists and leaders of motor unions on Tuesday in his office, the General Manager of ASEPA, Mazi Ogbonna Okereke, said the directive requires all commercial vehicle and tricycle operators to keep ASEPA waste bins inside their vehicles to enable passengers dispose of refuse properly.
According to him, the policy, which has existed for some time, is being reinvigorated and strengthened to ensure better waste management and environmental cleanliness in the state.
“All commercial and tricycle operators must comply with this directive by procuring ASEPA waste bins and placing them inside their vehicles or tricycles for passengers to dispose of refuse while onboard,” Okereke said.
He added that drivers are also required to empty the bins into designated ASEPA waste collection points located at motor parks after completing their trips.
Okereke stressed that the policy is not intended to punish operators or impound vehicles but to promote proper waste disposal and improve environmental standards across the state.
He urged leaders of transport unions, including the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RETAN) and the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), to ensure compliance among their members.
The ASEPA boss warned that operators who fail to comply with the directive would face a penalty of ₦50,000, as stipulated in the Abia State Basic Environmental Laws.
He further explained that tricycle operators are expected to purchase the smaller ASEPA waste bins at ₦1,300, while larger bins for buses and trucks cost ₦2,000.
Okereke insisted that the initiative is not designed as a revenue-generating measure, but rather as part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation in the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy General Manager of ASEPA, Umuahia Zone, Catechist Ambrose Jonah, expressed concern over the poor sanitary condition of some motor parks in the state.
He noted that visitors often judge the state’s overall cleanliness based on the condition of its parks, urging park managers to maintain proper sanitation standards.
Jonah warned that ASEPA would deploy its personnel to enforce cleanliness if park authorities fail to keep their environments tidy.
Responding on behalf of the transport unions, Azubuike Victor, representing the tricycle operators, commended the initiative and pledged to sensitise members of the ASTOPU on the new enforcement.
He, however, appealed to the agency to allow drivers sufficient time to procure the required waste bins before strict enforcement begins.