Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has announced the immediate cancellation of the mandatory monthly environmental sanitation exercise, following a directive from Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The exercise, which was scheduled to begin on the first Saturday of every month, had previously drawn widespread public criticism.
The decision was announced after a crucial meeting between Governor Fubara and the RIWAMA Board at Government House, Port Harcourt.
New Approach to Refuse Management
Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, Chairman of the RIWAMA Board and an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, confirmed the cancellation to journalists on Thursday. He stated that the Governor directed the agency to adopt a “different approach” to waste management, prioritizing a more humane and effective strategy.
“Subsequently, we also want to seize the opportunity to inform the people of Rivers State that the initially proposed environmental sanitation exercise that was supposed to hold on the 4th of October is hereby put off until further notice,” Nwanosike said.
He explained that the temporary pause is necessary “to allow us build more capacity in tackling the issues of refuse management in the state.”
“The governor wants a different approach—to put a human face to waste management and to ensure that the people see results and get the best of it,” the Chairman added.
Governor Assures Full Support and Infrastructure
Dr. Nwanosike emphasized Governor Fubara’s commitment to achieving a clean and healthy environment for all residents. The Governor has reportedly ordered immediate action against indiscriminate refuse disposal and the blocking of drains.
Furthermore, Governor Fubara has assured the agency of full government backing, including the provision of new dumpsites and necessary infrastructure to strengthen RIWAMA’s operational capacity.
“It is the governor’s wish that the people live in good health. He has given directives on the actions to take, and after now Rivers people will enjoy the dividends of democracy in waste management,” Nwanosike concluded, noting that the new action plan aims for immediate delivery of results.
RIWAMA was among the state parastatals reconstituted by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) during the six-month emergency rule, which terminated on September 18, 2025, with the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
