The Anambra State Government, as part of a bold strategy to tackle plastic pollution and promote sustainable development, has launched the second phase of the All Anambra Communities Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge, with an ambitious goal of recovering 100,000 tons of plastic waste and creating over 5,000 indirect green jobs.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, was unveiled in Awka by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, during a press briefing to commemorate World Environment Day 2025, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution.”
A Legal Backbone for Environmental Reform
Dr. Odimegwu emphasized that the initiative is backed by the newly enacted Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection, and Administrative Law 2024—hailed as the most comprehensive environmental legislation in the state’s history. The law provides a coordinated framework for enforcement, regulation, public health protection, and sustainable development.
Key Strategic Interventions
The Ministry’s multi-pronged strategy includes:
Institutionalizing the Plastic Waste Recovery Challenge, now in its second season.
Expanding plastic sorting and recycling hubs across all Local Government Areas.
Mandating the use of plastic waste bins in all public spaces, including markets, schools, parks, and motor parks.
Introducing Plastic-to-Product innovation hubs and community-based buy-back centres.
Initiating the gradual phase-out of single-use plastic bags, promoting biodegradable alternatives.
Tougher Enforcement Measures
The government is intensifying enforcement in several key areas, including:
Illegal Waste Disposal: Dumping waste in unauthorized locations is now a punishable offence.
Open Burning of Waste: Banned due to its hazardous health and environmental effects.
Lack of Waste Segregation: All markets, institutions, and businesses are required to provide separate waste bins for plastics, organics, and other types.
Non-compliance with ESHMP Standards: The Environmental, Social, Health and Management Plan (ESHMP) is now mandatory for all development projects.
Public Health Violations: Offences like open defecation, blocked drainage, unhygienic abattoir operations, and improper siting of waste facilities will be prosecuted under both environmental and public health laws.
Promoting Global Best Practices
The Ministry also announced regulatory enhancements to enforce international environmental best practices, including:
Sustainable infrastructure design codes (e.g., 35% green space, ventilation, water access).
Community desilting and flood mitigation plans.
Catchment pit installations to reduce runoff and erosion.
Tree planting campaigns and urban forestry initiatives across all 21 LGAs.
Integration of climate resilience criteria in project approvals.
Penalties for Offenders
Violators of the 2024 Environmental Law, Public Health Laws, or ESHMP guidelines face stiff penalties, including:
Fines ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦1,000,000.
Temporary closure or revocation of operational permits.
Mandatory community service supervised by the Ministry.
Prosecution under the Environmental Court Division.
“Let it be known, there will be no exemptions, no immunity. Environmental degradation is a crime against the future,” Dr. Odimegwu declared.
Commitment Beyond Politics
Addressing concerns about political interference ahead of the 2025 governorship elections, the Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to its apolitical mandate:
“Environmental governance is not an election project. It is a legal obligation, a public health imperative, and a moral duty. We will continue our work without fear or favour.”
A Call to Action
Concluding his address, Dr. Odimegwu urged citizens to take responsibility for the future:
“We are where we are today because of past negligence. The actions we take now will shape the Anambra of tomorrow. Let us act collectively and decisively to end plastic pollution and secure the health and dignity of our communities.”