…Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade to Begin Operations as Environmental Sanitation Courts Return
July 15, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced a comprehensive package of measures aimed at tackling persistent flooding across the state, including the development of a new flood and drainage master plan, the demolition of buildings obstructing drainage channels, the creation of a specialised environmental task force and stricter enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation.
The Governor unveiled the initiatives while addressing journalists after an unscheduled inspection of the Judiciary Staff Quarters project in Uyo. He said the measures form part of a broader strategy to protect lives, preserve public infrastructure and build a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno explained that the state’s existing flood management framework had become outdated due to rapid urban expansion and increasing infrastructure development. He therefore directed the Commissioner for Environment to immediately convene environmental experts, engineers and other relevant stakeholders to produce a modern flood and drainage master plan that will guide future drainage construction, urban planning and flood mitigation efforts across the state.
According to the Governor, the revised master plan will provide a scientific and coordinated approach to managing flood risks while ensuring that future developments align with the state’s environmental objectives.
As part of the new strategy, Governor Eno announced the establishment of the Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade, a specialised unit under the Ministry of Environment dedicated to keeping drainage channels free of blockages and supporting flood prevention efforts.
He said the Brigade would complement existing environmental agencies by focusing specifically on drainage maintenance and flood control, noting that effective flood management requires a dedicated operational structure beyond routine waste collection.
The Governor also issued a strong warning against illegal developments on designated drainage routes, declaring that any structure found obstructing natural waterways would be demolished irrespective of ownership, social status or previous approvals.
He stressed that the government would no longer tolerate developments that compromise public safety by blocking drainage channels and increasing the risk of flooding in neighbouring communities.
To strengthen environmental law enforcement, Governor Eno directed the Ministry of Environment, the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency and the Office of the Attorney General to establish Environmental Sanitation Courts.
The courts, he said, will prosecute individuals who violate sanitation regulations. Rather than relying solely on fines, offenders will also be sentenced to community service, including participation in environmental sanitation exercises such as clearing blocked drains.
Governor Eno further announced a return to stricter enforcement of the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise. He said movement across Akwa Ibom would be restricted on the last Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
He stated that no exemptions would be granted during the sanitation period, adding that commercial activities, social events and even travellers arriving in the state would be required to comply until the exercise had been concluded.
The Governor emphasised that while his administration would continue investing in drainage infrastructure and flood control projects, residents also have a responsibility to maintain clean surroundings and comply with environmental regulations.
He said sustainable flood management can only be achieved through a partnership between government and citizens.
During the inspection of the Judiciary Staff Quarters project, Governor Eno expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work, criticising contractors for abandoning the site during official working hours.
He described the situation as unacceptable and warned that contractors handling government projects must demonstrate greater commitment to timely execution in line with the standards of his administration.
