The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has expressed serious concern over the growing menace of filth on major streets across the state, warning that the situation poses an imminent public health risk and threatens the state’s image as a leading tourism destination.
Lawmakers attributed the unsightly condition of the metropolis to what residents described as a lull in intervention activities by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), led by Prince Akpan Ikim. The Assembly stressed the urgent need for decisive action to safeguard public health and protect the state’s tourism and hospitality infrastructure.
Consequently, the House passed a resolution urging the state government to partner with the private sector to establish waste recycling plants across Akwa Ibom State. The initiative is aimed at converting waste to wealth, protecting the environment and creating employment opportunities.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Barr. Prince Ukpong Akpabio II during plenary on Tuesday.
The motion, titled “Waste to Wealth: Need to Partner with the Private Sector to Establish a Recycling Plant in the State,” highlighted the alarming increase in commercial and domestic waste generation in the state.
Moving the motion, Prince Akpabio, who cited Order III, Rule 1 of the House Standing Orders (7th Edition), noted that much of the waste ends up in landfills, gutters and drainage systems, thereby worsening flooding and environmental degradation.
He emphasized that proper waste management is critical to public health and environmental sustainability, adding that landfills pose serious risks through greenhouse gas emissions, soil and water contamination, and the release of toxic substances.
The Essien Udim lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Business, Rules and Ethics, described waste recycling as a major economic opportunity, noting that Nigeria’s recycling industry is estimated to be worth over $2 billion. He observed that the influx of scavengers into Akwa Ibom in search of recyclable materials—often transported to other states for processing—underscores the need to establish recycling facilities within the state.
According to him, local recycling plants would reduce environmental and health risks, stimulate economic growth, generate revenue and create jobs across the waste management value chain, in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, particularly the Economic Consolidation and Expansion Blueprint which promotes public-private partnerships.
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The motion was seconded by the member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Eric Akpan, and received overwhelming support from lawmakers. Contributors including Hon. Udobia F. Udoh (Ibeno/Esit Eket), Hon. Jerry Otu (Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara), Dr. Itorobong Etim (Uruan), Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey (Okobo), Hon. Lawrence Udoide (Ini) and the Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, described the motion as timely and beneficial to environmental protection, resource conservation and job creation.
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Elder Udeme Otong, commended the unanimous support it received, describing it as a people-oriented initiative with far-reaching benefits for the state. He directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, to communicate the resolutions to the Governor for necessary action.
The House also mandated its Committee on Environment to oversee the implementation of the resolutions before adjourning plenary to Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
