… A story of investment, enforcement and community action that continues to keep Akwa Ibom clean and green.

By DESTINY YOUNG

Akwa Ibom State has been declared the cleanest state in Nigeria for 2025. The state earned an impressive seventy-nine per cent cleanliness score in the latest Clean Up Nigeria STONE 2025 report, and this top position highlights purposeful environmental management and a culture of sanitation that continues to grow stronger every year.

This success is a clear reflection of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to building a greener and healthier state. His administration has strengthened environmental policies and given the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, AKSEPWMA, the tools and authority needed to deliver consistent results across the state.

Modern Tools for a Cleaner Environment

One of the most impactful interventions under Governor Eno has been significant investment in waste management equipment. AKSEPWMA has received compacting trucks, swing trucks, crane trucks and hundreds of waste dumpsters. These additions have greatly improved waste collection and evacuation in busy urban areas and growing communities.

The result is simple and visible. Cleaner streets, faster response to waste accumulation and better maintenance of public spaces.
Supporting the Law and Encouraging Good Behaviour
Governor Eno’s stance is that enforcement is necessary when environmental rules are ignored. With this mindset the state engaged the Ibom Community Watch security outfit to monitor sanitation compliance throughout the capital city and other key locations. These officers now help ensure that public hygiene is taken seriously by residents, business owners and visitors.
At the same time the government has been careful to support enforcement with education. Through outreach campaigns and community engagement, AKSEPWMA encourages citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal habits. This ongoing sensitisation helps people understand that sanitation protects health, prevents flooding and improves general wellbeing.

Environmental Responsibility that Creates Opportunities

The state is also promoting a Waste to Wealth initiative. This approach treats waste as a resource that can generate energy, provide raw materials for recycling and support new business opportunities. The long-term goal is to reduce the volume of waste sent to dumpsites while creating employment and promoting a clean circular economy.

It is an approach that aligns environmental care with economic growth.

Why This Achievement Matters

Being recognised as the cleanest state in Nigeria is more than a commendation. It means reduced health risks, safer communities and a better quality of life for families. It creates confidence for investors and enhances the reputation of the state for tourism and development.

Most importantly, it demonstrates what is possible when leadership and citizens work together with a shared purpose.

Moving Forward Together

Akwa Ibom has shown that environmental progress is achievable and sustainable. As we celebrate this honour we must also remain committed to preserving it. Every resident has a role to play. Clean surroundings are a shared responsibility and pride in our environment should remain part of our identity as Akwa Ibom people.

Governor Umo Eno and AKSEPWMA have created the enabling system. It is now up to all of us to support that effort and ensure that Akwa Ibom continues to shine as the cleanest state in the country.

Akwa Ibom is rising. Akwa Ibom is clean. And together, we must keep it that way.

Destiny Young is the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media & Digital Communication

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