Edo Government Cracks Down on Waste Managers, Prosecutes 160 Defaulters
The Edo State government has issued a stern warning to waste management contractors, threatening to revoke the licenses of 50 operators over inefficiency. Meanwhile, at least 160 individuals have been prosecuted for improper waste disposal in the last three months.
Waste Management Overhaul and Government Action
The Managing Director of the Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, disclosed this while addressing journalists as part of events marking Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office. He revealed that the state government is set to begin waste-to-wealth initiatives and has given a directive to make Edo the cleanest state in Nigeria.
According to Enehita-Inegbenehi, the previous administration’s waste management system was flawed, making it nearly impossible for contractors to perform their duties effectively. He stated that contracts worth between ₦1.5 million and ₦2 million were unsustainable when broken down into daily operational costs, leading to widespread inefficiency.
Surveillance, Arrests, and Prosecution of Offenders
Authorities have intensified efforts to curb illegal waste disposal, particularly in areas referred to as “black spots.” Enehita-Inegbenehi expressed concern over residents who dump refuse on roads at odd hours instead of paying a monthly ₦2,000 waste collection fee.
“We have observed that some residents wake up as early as 2 AM to dump refuse on the streets. It is shocking and irrational behavior,” he said. “I even suggested that mobile courts should consider psychiatric evaluation for such offenders.”
To combat this issue, the Waste Management Board has deployed surveillance teams operating from 10 PM to 2 AM, with plans to implement a 24-hour monitoring system. As a result, over 160 offenders have been arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to fines, community service, and other penalties.
Contractor Termination and Cleanup Achievements
So far, 13 waste management contractors have been dismissed, with another 50 set to lose their licenses for failing to meet service standards.
Enehita-Inegbenehi noted significant progress in cleaning up key areas, including Benin-Auchi Road, Benin-Agbor Road, New Benin Market, Oba Market, and Oregbeni, which were previously littered with refuse. He commended Governor Okpebholo for granting the Waste Management Board full authority to execute its mandate, ensuring a cleaner Edo State.
As the government intensifies its waste management reforms, residents are urged to comply with disposal regulations to avoid prosecution.
