Concerned about the rampant dumping of waste and other environmental infractions in Akwa Ibom State, particularly in Uyo, the State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) announced plans to deploy Ibom Community Watch officers to key locations for environmental oversight.
Prince Ikim, chairman of AKSEPWMA, shared this information with reporters in Uyo on Tuesday, stating that the initiative will commence on November 1, 2024, with the goal of safeguarding public health and well-being.
He emphasized that the officers would be given the authority to enforce environmental laws and called on residents and stakeholders to support their efforts.
Ikim elaborated that members of the Ibom Watch, a state-run security group, will be strategically positioned along major routes such as Nwaniba Road, Four Lanes, Oron Road, and others to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
He said, “In line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda for sustainable environmental management, the AKSEPWMA will deploy Ibom Community Watch officers to combat indiscriminate waste dumping and other violations.”
This initiative follows recent awareness campaigns and represents a collaborative effort between AKSEPWMA and Ibom Community Watch, supported by the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police.
Ikim noted that the 100 officers being deployed were retrained in essential intelligence skills to effectively enforce environmental laws without misconduct.