The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has reaffirmed plans to enforce the compulsory use of waste bins in all commercial vehicles operating within Abia State.

This was disclosed during an interactive session held with transport union leaders and other stakeholders across the state, aimed at ensuring compliance and effective implementation of the policy.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director General of ASEPA, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, emphasised the agency’s commitment to maintaining environmental cleanliness through stricter enforcement measures.

He noted that sanitation remains a key priority of the administration of Alex Otti, adding that outcomes from the engagement would be communicated directly to the governor.

According to Okereke, the initiative is part of broader efforts to sustain Abia’s growing reputation as one of the cleanest states in Nigeria, with a focus on promoting healthier living conditions for residents.

Under the directive, all commercial vehicles—including buses, tricycles, and trucks—must be equipped with waste bins. Drivers are expected to properly dispose of refuse at designated motor parks, where larger waste collection bins will also be provided.

He explained that smaller bins would be installed inside buses and tricycles, while larger ones would be positioned at motor parks to facilitate efficient waste management.

Okereke added that enforcement would be carried out in collaboration with transport unions to ensure widespread compliance.

“The primary goal of this exercise is not to generate revenue through fines but to achieve full compliance and sustain the level of cleanliness already recorded,” he stated.

He warned that there would be zero tolerance for violations, stressing that any commercial vehicle found operating without a functional waste bin would be impounded and fined ₦50,000.

Operators have been given a two-week grace period to comply with the directive. The approved cost of waste bins has been fixed at ₦2,000 for buses and ₦1,300 for tricycles.