The Edo State Government has issued an ultimatum to residents, businesses and government agencies to remove accumulated waste from Benin City’s streets and public spaces, warning that environmental health will be monitored more strictly and sanctions applied to offenders if compliance is not met.
The directive was issued by the State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation following assessments that the city has experienced rising levels of unmanaged refuse, which local officials say contribute to blocked drainage channels, flooding risk and deteriorating urban hygiene. The task force announced clear compliance deadlines for neighbourhood clean-ups and proper disposal.
Authorities stressed that the ultimatum applies to all sectors including households, markets and public institutions and that enforcement measures will be activated where necessary. These include fines, sanctions and possible closure of premises that persistently violate sanitation regulations.
The government said the clean-up drive is part of a wider effort to transform Benin City into a cleaner, healthier urban environment, improve public health outcomes, and curb environmental hazards that hinder quality of life across the state capital.
Edo State officials also indicated they will partner with compliance teams and waste management agencies to support communities that may require assistance, but emphasised that collective action and responsibility are critical to achieving sustained cleanliness.
