Sanitation Enforcement Nets 60 Offenders In Calabar
Environmental Sanitation Drive Records Higher Compliance as 60 Face Trial
State Government Pursues Cleaner Environment Through Enforcement
THE Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with the prosecution of 60 individuals accused of violating sanitation regulations during the May edition of the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The accused persons were arrested during coordinated enforcement operations carried out by environmental monitoring teams across strategic locations in Calabar.
The move reflects the government’s strategy of combining public sensitisation with legal enforcement to improve environmental standards and reduce health hazards associated with poor sanitation practices.
Positive Compliance Trend Emerges
Officials reported that public participation in the sanitation exercise showed noticeable improvement compared to previous months.
Representing the Commissioner for Environment, Obol Moses Osogi, Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Mr. Dien Ugumanim, said the government was encouraged by the increasing willingness of residents to comply with sanitation directives.
He explained that continuous public enlightenment campaigns and regular enforcement activities were helping to change attitudes toward environmental cleanliness.
According to him, areas previously notorious for non-compliance recorded significant progress during the latest exercise.
The 8 Miles Market, once identified as a major challenge area, was cited as a notable success story after traders reportedly complied with sanitation restrictions and participated in cleaning their business environment.
Mixed Outcomes Across Commercial Centres
Despite the positive assessment, authorities noted that challenges remain in certain locations.
Officials singled out Marian Market as one of the areas where compliance levels remained below expectations, with some traders allegedly disregarding sanitation regulations.
The ministry warned that persistent violations could attract more stringent enforcement measures in subsequent exercises.
Environmental experts have repeatedly argued that markets and commercial centres play a critical role in urban sanitation because of the large volume of waste generated daily.
As a result, government officials continue to prioritise such locations during monitoring operations.
Legal Consequences for Defaulters
At the Environmental Sanitation Mobile Court, presided over by a Senior Magistrate, the defendants faced charges relating to their alleged failure to participate in the monthly sanitation programme.
The court reminded offenders that environmental sanitation laws are designed not only to maintain cleanliness but also to protect public health by preventing disease outbreaks linked to poor waste management.
Under existing state laws, convicted offenders risk fines ranging from ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 or imprisonment for up to three months.
While several defendants admitted to violating the regulations and pleaded guilty, others contested the charges and were subjected to further legal proceedings.
The court also considered special circumstances in some cases, resulting in the discharge of a number of defendants on medical and humanitarian grounds.
Public Support for Cleaner Communities
Residents who observed the sanitation exercise largely welcomed the government’s efforts, describing environmental cleanliness as essential for public health, tourism development, and urban renewal.
Some called for even stricter sanctions against habitual offenders, arguing that sustained enforcement would help instill a culture of cleanliness across the state.
Others urged the government to complement enforcement with increased public awareness campaigns, improved waste disposal facilities, and stronger community participation.
The sanitation monitoring exercise commenced at the Ministry of Environment headquarters and extended to several key locations across Calabar Municipality, including Marian Road, Ikot Ansa, Murtala Mohammed Highway, Ikot Eneobong Market, and neighbouring communities.
The operation involved environmental officials, security personnel, civil society representatives, media practitioners, and volunteers, reflecting a multi-stakeholder approach to environmental management and public health protection in Cross River State.
