Rivers State Relaunches Environmental Cleanup Exercise, As SSG Monitors Compliance

The Rivers State Government has announced major investments in the environmental sector, including the purchase of new equipment to improve waste evacuation and disposal across the state.

At the launch of the reintroduced compulsory monthly sanitation exercise, the Sole Administrator—represented by the Secretary to the State Government—said the initiative is part of wider reforms to enhance cleanliness and public health.

The SSG also joined the newly inaugurated Rivers State Waste Management Agency team to monitor compliance on the first day of the exercise.

The compulsory monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with restriction of movement between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., was once a consistent policy in Rivers State until its enforcement gradually declined a few years ago.

Now, the newly inaugurated board of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency is reintroducing the initiative to restore cleanliness and public hygiene.

During the hours of restriction, roads remain deserted except for vehicles on essential duties, while shops and business premises stay closed, as residents are expected to stay home, to clear and cleanup their environments, drainages, and properly dispose of refuse within their neighborhoods.

At the RIWAMA headquarters, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State—represented by the Secretary to the State Government—formally declared the sanitation exercise open.

He then joined a monitoring convoy comprising RIWAMA board members, management officials, and security agencies to assess compliance across Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

Following the inspection, the SSG shared his observations and used the opportunity to respond to public concerns surrounding a past court ruling, which had questioned the legality of restricting movement during sanitation hours, citing possible infringement on citizens’ rights.

Previously held on the last Saturday of each month, the compulsory environmental sanitation exercise in Rivers State will now take place on the first Saturday of every month.

Authorities are urging residents to participate actively, as part of efforts to tackle the rising cases of indiscriminate waste disposal seen along major streets across the state.