The General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Mazi Ogbonna Okereke, has announced that the agency will commence enforcement of a mandatory waste bin policy for all commercial vehicles across the state starting April 1, 2026.
Ogbonna made this known while briefing journalists on Tuesday at the ASEPA headquarters in Umuahia. He explained that the initiative is aimed at promoting environmental cleanliness and sustaining the state’s improved sanitation standards.
Under the new directive, all commercial vehicles will be required to provide waste bins for passengers, while motor parks are expected to install large refuse buckets where drivers can dispose of waste generated during the day.
He noted that ASEPA has received widespread commendation both locally and internationally for transforming Abia from one of the dirtiest states to one of the cleanest in Nigeria.
According to him, the new policy aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
The ASEPA boss disclosed that distribution of the bins would begin on March 31, with enforcement taking effect immediately after rollout, although a short grace period may be granted to allow drivers and transport operators comply.
“The cost of the bins is ₦2,000 for buses and ₦1,300 for tricycles,” he said, adding that any vehicle found without a waste bin would face a fine of ₦50,000 in line with the state’s environmental laws.
Ogbonna emphasized that the agency’s priority is compliance rather than penalties, urging operators to obtain the bins promptly to avoid sanctions.
Ogbonna further explained that green was chosen as the official colour of the bins to reflect environmental sustainability and align with the state’s identity, noting that all designated vehicles may eventually adopt the colour.
The ASEPA GM added that the policy is part of ongoing efforts to improve public sanitation, stressing that Abia is now ranked among the cleanest states in Nigeria and must sustain the momentum.
Ogbonna also said that vehicles previously issued waste bins would be inspected, and those with bins still in good condition would not be required to purchase new ones.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone, Mr. Azubuike, expressed readiness to comply with the directive but appealed for more time to sensitise members. He noted that the practice was not entirely new but required renewed awareness, as the agency made the purchase annually.
The meeting was attended by ASEPA Deputy General Managers, including Ambrose Jonah (Umuahia) Mr. Peter Ekekwe for Ohafia and that of (Aba Zone), as well as representatives from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the Ministry of Transport, and other key stakeholders.
