By Emma Peter, Abuja
The Nasarawa State Government has called for increased public participation in the forthcoming monthly environmental sanitation exercise, warning residents against indiscriminate disposal of refuse in drainage channels and other unauthorised locations.
The Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Dr. Margaret Elayo, made the call on Thursday during a meeting of the State Sanitation Committee held in her office in Lafia.
Elayo said the improper disposal of waste, especially within Lafia metropolis, remains a major environmental concern, noting that refuse dumped in drainage channels obstructs the free flow of water and could worsen flooding during heavy rainfall.
She stressed the need for residents to take greater responsibility for their surroundings, pointing out that government’s investment in drainage infrastructure and other environmental projects would only achieve the desired results if citizens maintained proper sanitation practices.
The Commissioner said the state government was determined to build a healthier and more resilient environment for its people, particularly in the face of growing climate-related challenges.
She also called on the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority to strengthen its operations by ensuring regular evacuation of refuse from streets, markets and designated waste collection points.
Speaking on the planned sanitation exercise, Elayo urged relevant government agencies, traditional and community leaders, security personnel, the media and residents to work together to ensure effective participation across the state.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Nasarawa State Environmental Protection Agency (NASEPA), Malam Iliya Yusuf Adeka, disclosed that the exercise would take place on Saturday, August 30, 2026, between 7:00am and 10:00am.
Adeka directed residents to use the restricted hours to thoroughly clean their homes, business premises and immediate surroundings, stressing that refuse should be taken only to approved collection points for evacuation.
He appealed to residents to see environmental sanitation as a collective responsibility, rather than an obligation solely for government agencies.
The meeting brought together representatives of ministries, departments and agencies, as well as sanitation stakeholders, the media and security agencies, to strengthen coordination ahead of the exercise.
