The Edo State Government has vowed to fully enforce its new Sanitation and Pollution Management Law to safeguard public health and the environment.

Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Nosa Adams, gave the assurance during a meeting with stakeholders on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Benin City, the state capital.

Adams said the law would strengthen efforts to keep communities clean while addressing pollution and environmental degradation across the state.

He stressed the importance of remediation, regeneration, and restoration programmes aimed at reversing years of environmental damage.

According to him, the ministry will intensify advocacy campaigns to enlighten residents on the value of environmental protection and proper waste habits.

“The law is geared toward creating a safe and clean environment for all residents,” Adams said.

He added that environmental cleanliness begins with personal responsibility, starting from individual homes and neighbourhoods.

The commissioner highlighted the mandates of the six agencies under the ministry, including the Forestry Commission and Waste Management Board.

He said coordination among agencies remained central to delivering improvements in sanitation and pollution control across Edo.

Adams assured stakeholders that the ministry had begun wider engagements, including with the media, to promote consistent public awareness.

“The Edo State Sanitation and Pollution Management Law is a comprehensive legislation that addresses key aspects of environmental protection,” he noted.

Some stakeholders expressed concerns about overlapping responsibilities among agencies involved in implementing the law.

They also stressed the need for stronger enforcement to ensure the law delivers meaningful environmental improvements.

Adams said the ministry was already working to harmonise agency roles and strengthen cooperation to avoid duplication.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the law meets its objectives and enhances environmental governance.

The meeting offered stakeholders a platform to raise issues and seek clarifications.

Participants welcomed the opportunity to discuss the broader environmental challenges confronting Edo communities.

They also acknowledged the need for active collaboration between citizens and government institutions.

The implementation of the new law is expected to improve environmental quality and support sustainable development across Edo.

Officials believe the law will create cleaner, safer spaces while tackling harmful environmental practices.

Residents were encouraged to embrace environmentally friendly habits to complement government initiatives.

Environmental advocates at the meeting called for continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with the law.

They also urged the government to sustain its public education campaigns throughout urban and rural areas.

Adams said the ministry is committed to transparency and will provide updates on enforcement measures.

He reaffirmed the government’s belief that environmental protection is essential to Edo’s long-term development.

Stakeholders agreed that the law represents an important step towards a cleaner and healthier state.

They also emphasised that collective participation would determine the success of the legislation.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to support the enforcement of the Sanitation and Pollution Management Law.

By Imelda Osayande