The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has called for stronger collaboration between the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) and other stakeholders to improve environmental enforcement and sanitation across markets in the state.
Aguiyi made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the ASMATA Secretariat in Odakpu, Onitsha.
The commissioner stressed that effective environmental protection required collective responsibility, urging traders, market leaders, youths and communities to take greater ownership of environmental cleanliness and sustainability.
He identified proper waste disposal, functional drainage systems, regular sanitation, noise pollution control and consistent environmental monitoring as key areas requiring sustained attention across the markets.
Dr. Aguiyi also directed that environmental enforcement must be carried out professionally, transparently and with discipline, while adhering strictly to due process. He emphasised the need for clear reporting and communication channels to ensure effective implementation.
The commissioner further urged ASMATA youths to become more actively involved in environmental sensitisation, sanitation campaigns and the reporting of environmental violations within their respective markets.
He called on all stakeholders to support the Ministry’s efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier Anambra, while inviting ASMATA leadership, the Makeway Team and the youths to join the state in celebrating Anambra at 35 on Aug. 27.
Responding, the stakeholders pledged to strengthen their cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the environmental agenda of the Soludo Administration.
Discussions at the meeting focused on the proposed Environmental Enforcement Taskforce, including its structure and responsibilities, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and market leadership.
The meeting was attended by the ASMATA President-General and other members of the association’s leadership, youths, members of the Makeway Team, prospective Environmental Enforcement Taskforce members and other stakeholders.
