May 29: ASEPA GM recalls deplorable State of Abia prior to 2023

By Izuchukwu Nwokoma 

The General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, has recalled the volume of waste that littered Abia streets before Dr. Alex Otti became governor in 2023, describing it as “incredible and unbelievable.”

He said the state of emergency declared by Gov. Otti on waste management marked the turning point for the environmental cleanliness Abians now enjoy.

Speaking exclusively with Business Hallmark to mark the 3rd anniversary of the administration, Mazi Okereke said ASEPA has changed Abia’s story from one of the dirtiest states to one of the cleanest in Nigeria.

Can we understand fully the duties of ASEPA?

In a nutshell, ASEPA is the agency charged with protecting the environment in two ways. First, from the effects of everyday living—what you and I do. Second, from the impact of socio-economic activities, including industrial and business operations on the environment.

After Governor Otti declared a state of emergency on waste management in 2023, what has been the effect?

Abia State was more or less submerged by waste before we came on board. Governor Otti knew that for the state to thrive economically and socially, it needed a clean environment. We swung into action and cleared abandoned waste in Umuahia, Aba, and other major cities.

What achievements has ASEPA recorded since then?

We have achieved a lot. In waste management and public sector coverage, ASEPA has expanded from Umuahia and Aba to all 17 local government areas of Abia State.

We are now resident and operational in every LGA because waste management is not only for major towns. In Umuahia and Aba, we actively manage, evacuate, and remove waste so people can live healthier lives, which is the core mandate of ASEPA.

Beyond managing waste, what plans does the state have for recycling, like Lagos and other states? 

We have engaged several local and international organisations to partner with us. We know some of the waste stored over the years can be recycled or repurposed.

We have started with “waste for value,” recycling into plastics. A private sector-driven initiative was recently held in Umuahia, the state capital.

ASEPA has also partnered with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, FBRA—Nigeria’s industry-led Producer Responsibility Organisat