STATE OF EMERGENCY ON ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: WHAT NDI ANAMBRA ARE EXPECTED TO DO

Public Service Announcement

June 29, 2026

The Anambra State Government, led by Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has made environmental sustainability its top priority and has declared a state of emergency because of serious environmental damages, especially from people blocking waterways by dumping trash and other materials in the drains. Others include building on water ways, erecting of illegal structures and encroachments on drainages and right of ways, as well as excessive sand mining across the state.

To address this issue, the government has ordered the cleaning of all drainage systems across the state and the stopping of uncontrolled sand mining, both of which are major factors making the state more prone to flooding and gully erosion.

Saturday, July 4, 2026, has been mapped out as the D-Day for the commencement of the statewide desilting and waste evacuation exercise. The exercise will involve markets, transport unions, youths, community leaders, churches, and all residents.

To enable the exercise, all communities and businesses will be on lockdown and movement restricted from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Exemptions apply only to essential services: security agencies, health workers, ambulances, journalists, the fire service, and others on essential duties.

Once more, those constructing new houses should make mandatory provisions for catch pits to properly manage run-off water as prescribed by law.

Ndị Anambra are advised to cooperate with the government on this matter, as those who fail to comply will be prosecuted according to existing laws.

Law Mefor, PhD,
Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation
Dr. Clem Aguiyi,
Commissioner for Environment
Anambra State.