Filth Menace: Akwa Ibom Assembly Pushes For Waste-To-Wealth Conversion

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has raised concern over the menace of filth in major streets on the State capital including Ukana Offot, Eka, Uyo Village Road and others with attendant epidemic looming and threatening the residents.

This ugly scenes in the metropolis, LEADERSHIP gathered, stemmed from what residents noted as “a lull in intervention work by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) led Prince Akpan Ikim as the chairman even as the dry season sets in.

However, to maintain the image of the State as one of the major tourism centres in the country, the House of Assembly has stressed the need to safeguard the tourism and hospitality architectures of the State, impressing it on the Executive arm of government to act swiftly.

Accordingly, the State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the State government to partner with the private sector to establish waste recycling plants across the State, as part of efforts to convert waste to wealth, protect the environment and create jobs.

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 was titled; “Waste to Wealth: Need to Partner with the Private Sector to Establish a Recycling Plant in the State.”

Moving the motion, Prince Akpabio, who cited Order III, Rule 1 of the Standing Orders of the House (7th Edition), noted the sharp increase in the volume of commercial and domestic waste generated daily in the State, much of which, he said, were disposed in landfills or found its way into gutters and drainage systems, thereby worsening flooding and environmental degradation.

The Essien Udim lawmaker, therefore, emphasised that “proper waste management is critical to public health and environmental sustainability,” adding that recycling offers significant advantages over landfills, which poses risks through greenhouse gas emissions, soil and water contamination, and the release of toxic substances to surrounding communities.

Prince Akpabio, who is the Chairman, House Committee on, Business, Rules and Ethics, pointed out that ‘waste recycling has become a major economic opportunity,” noting that “Nigeria’s recycling industry is estimated to be worth more than $2 billion.

He explained that the influx of scavengers into the State in search of recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, cartons and scrap metals often transported to other States for processing, underscored the economic potential of establishing recycling plants within Akwa Ibom.

According to him, having recycling facilities in the State would minimise environmental and health risks associated with landfills, stimulate economic growth, generate revenue and create employment opportunities 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 in recycling.

The motion which was seconded by the Member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Eric Akpan, received overwhelming support from the lawmakers.

The member for Ibeno/Esit Eket State Constituency, Hon. Udobia F. Udoh, described the motion as timely and beneficial, noting that it would help to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources and create jobs.

Hon. Jerry Otu (Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara); Dr. Itorobong Etim (Uruan); Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey (Okobo); Hon. Lawrence Udoide (Ini) and the Chief Whip of the House, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, also spoke in favour of the motion.

Ruling on the motion, the Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, noted the unanimous support the motion enjoyed, describing it as a people-oriented initiative with far-reaching benefits for the State, and accordingly directed the Clerk, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, to “communicate the resolutions of the House to the Governor for necessary action.”

The House further mandated the House Committee on Environment to provide oversight on the implementation of the resolutions and thereafter adjourned to Tuesday, January 27, 2026.