Akwa Ibom State has recorded what officials described as one of its highest levels of compliance during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, following stricter enforcement of environmental regulations across the state’s 31 local government areas.

The exercise, held on Saturday, July 25, saw residents participate in the compulsory monthly clean-up by clearing refuse, desilting drainage channels and cleaning their surroundings, while movement restrictions were enforced across the state.

According to the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), commercial and social activities were suspended during the exercise to allow residents to participate in environmental sanitation.

Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Ibom Community Watch were deployed to enforce compliance. At the same time, some residents who allegedly violated the sanitation order were arrested and arraigned before the Environmental Sanitation Court in Uyo.

Speaking during the monitoring exercise, the Chairman of AKSEPWMA, Hon. Prince Ikim, said the exercise recorded more than 86 per cent compliance across the state.

He attributed the outcome to collaboration among government agencies, local government authorities, security agencies, environmental contractors, the media and residents.

According to him, the monitoring exercise involved the Commissioner for Sanitation and Water Resources, members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committees on Environment and Health, local government officials and other stakeholders, while the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, led the state monitoring team.

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state also commended residents for their participation, describing the level of compliance as encouraging.

Some residents who spoke with journalists said the monthly sanitation exercise had contributed to cleaner neighbourhoods and encouraged greater community participation in environmental management.

Officials said the exercise included the clearing of blocked drainage channels, evacuation of refuse and desilting of gutters to improve stormwater flow and reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

Beyond the monthly exercise, AKSEPWMA said it had intensified waste evacuation operations in parts of the state, including Ikot Ekpene Road and surrounding communities, as part of efforts to sustain environmental cleanliness.

The agency said the initiative forms part of a broader environmental management strategy aimed at promoting cleaner communities and strengthening public health through improved waste management.

Environmental experts have long identified proper waste disposal, drainage maintenance and regular sanitation as important measures for reducing disease outbreaks and mitigating flooding in urban communities.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has consistently promoted environmental sanitation as part of its broader efforts to improve public health, environmental sustainability and urban development under Governor Umo Eno’s administration.

Residents and environmental stakeholders also urged continued public participation, noting that maintaining a clean environment requires sustained collaboration between government, communities and individuals.