The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for sustainable measures to complement ongoing sanitation efforts in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Ebonyi State Coordinator of NHRC, Onyekachi Okorie, made the call in Abakaliki on October 8, 2026, while reacting to the ongoing advocacy for a cleaner Ebonyi. He emphasized that the success of any sanitation programme should be measured by its sustainability and lasting impact on the environment.
Okorie stressed that citizens have a responsibility to contribute ideas and practical solutions to help the government achieve its environmental objectives. He noted that constructive contributions towards addressing public needs should not be interpreted as negative criticism, but rather as a participatory effort. According to him, citizens should be encouraged to contribute positively to the realization of public needs.
The NHRC coordinator recalled that littered iron pieces and paper waste were previously serious environmental challenges in parts of Ebonyi State. However, he noted that such materials are now hardly seen littering the streets. Okorie attributed this success to sustainability efforts, stating that those items have been eliminated forever among the items in the state's wastes.
Okorie urged the Ebonyi State Ministry of Environment to welcome new ideas by establishing waste collection depots and providing appropriate dumpsters for different categories of waste. He particularly emphasized the need for proper handling of biodegradable materials. This, he believes, will help to sustain the gains of the sanitation campaign.
The NHRC coordinator proposed an incentive-based system for plastic waste management. He suggested that the government should monetise the collection of empty sachet-water bags and other polythene materials by paying residents who bring recyclable waste to designated collection centres. This initiative, he believes, could encourage residents, youths, and waste collectors to actively participate in environmental sanitation.
Okorie specified that the Ministry of Environment should establish collection depots and declare that they will give a minimum of N5,000 for any 100kg bag of plastic waste. He believes that this will create economic opportunities while ensuring that the gains of the sanitation campaign are sustained. This approach, he noted, will encourage active participation in environmental sanitation.
The NHRC coordinator's suggestions aim to support the government's environmental objectives while promoting sustainable practices. His call for incentives and recycling depots highlights the need for a collaborative approach to addressing environmental challenges in Ebonyi State. The government is yet to react to Okorie's proposals.
Key points
- NHRC urges Ebonyi State Ministry of Environment to establish waste collection depots and provide dumpsters for different categories of waste.
- Incentive-based system proposed for plastic waste management to encourage residents to participate in environmental sanitation.
- Sustainability and lasting impact on the environment emphasized as key measures of success for sanitation programmes.
