The Edo State Waste Management Board has announced plans to begin confiscating goods belonging to traders who convert pedestrian walkways into selling points, while offenders dumping refuse on road medians will also face prosecution.
Managing Director of the board, Dr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, said the enforcement action follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the affected traders and residents.
According to him, the illegal activities contribute to environmental degradation, obstruction of traffic, flooding, and public health risks across the state.
He explained that under the Edo State Sanitation and Pollution Management Law 2025, traders, shop owners, market women, residents, and other members of the public are prohibited from conducting business on roads and walkways or dumping refuse in unauthorized locations.
Enehita-Inegbenehi warned that violators would be prosecuted through the State’s Sanitation Mobile Court.
“Public roads, medians, and walkways are not marketplaces or dumping grounds,” he stated, urging residents and business operators to make use of designated waste disposal facilities and engage registered waste managers for proper evacuation of refuse.
The board disclosed that the state government has provided multiple dumpsites and positioned roller bins across Benin City and other parts of the state to support proper waste disposal.
He added that market waste should only be disposed of at approved locations, while passersby are encouraged to use the roller bins provided.
In a related development, the managing director held a strategic meeting with the Environmental Sanitation Corps (ESC) aimed at strengthening discipline, professionalism, and field operations.
The board also introduced a two-shift system for the ESC to improve environmental monitoring, surveillance of black spots, and supervision of road medians across the metropolis.
“Our waste is not flowers meant for decorating our medians,” Enehita-Inegbenehi said, reiterating that road medians are not refuse dumping sites.
The state government called on residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits and support ongoing efforts to maintain a cleaner, safer, and healthier Edo State.