NIGERIA: Fubara Cancels Monthly Sanitation Exercise, Orders Fresh Waste Management Strategy In Rivers

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has halted the mandatory monthly sanitation exercise earlier introduced by the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), opting instead for a new approach to tackle refuse disposal in the state.

The decision followed a meeting between the governor and the agency’s board at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The sanitation exercise, scheduled to begin on the first Saturday of every month, had been announced by RIWAMA Chairman, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, shortly after his appointment. However, the plan faced criticism from residents who questioned its viability.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Nwanosike said the governor directed the adoption of a more sustainable strategy to address waste management challenges.

“Subsequently, we also want to seize the opportunity to inform the people of Rivers State that the initially proposed environmental sanitation exercise that was supposed to hold on the 4th of October is hereby put off until further notice,” Nwanosike said.

He explained that the governor’s directive was aimed at building capacity within the agency and implementing measures that would yield visible results.

“The governor wants a different approach — to put a human face to waste management and to ensure that the people see results and get the best of it,” he added.

Governor Fubara, according to the chairman, has ordered immediate action against indiscriminate refuse dumping and blocked drains, while pledging support for new dumpsites and infrastructure to strengthen RIWAMA’s operations.

“It is the governor’s wish that the people live in good health. He has given directives on the actions to take, and after now Rivers people will enjoy the dividends of democracy in waste management,” Nwanosike said.

RIWAMA was one of the parastatals reconstituted by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) during the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The emergency administration ended on September 18, 2025, paving the way for Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly to return to office.