The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Princess Margaret Elayo, has directed the release of 37 tricycles impounded for violating movement restrictions during the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

Elayo issued the directive during a sensitisation meeting with the affected tricycle operators in Lafia, according to a statement released on Monday by her Media Aide, Ibrahim Abdul.

DAILY POST had reported that the tricycles were impounded by the State Sanitation Task Force and kept off the roads for two days after their operators allegedly breached the restrictions put in place to facilitate the monthly sanitation exercise.

The commissioner explained that the enforcement action was intended to discourage further violations and encourage greater cooperation with government efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

“This is not about witch-hunting anyone. It is about saving lives and keeping our environment clean. I urge you to go and sin no more and support government in ensuring compliance,” Elayo said.

The affected riders reportedly expressed regret over their actions and pledged to cooperate with the ministry by observing sanitation regulations and participating in future monthly sanitation exercises.

Elayo also reminded residents and tricycle operators that breaches of environmental sanitation laws attract penalties. She cited a mobile court ruling prescribing a N10,000 fine for first-time offenders and N20,000 for repeat offenders.

The commissioner urged residents across the state to regard environmental sanitation as a shared responsibility, noting that proper sanitation and a clean environment are essential to preventing disease and protecting public health.

She called for continued cooperation between residents, transport operators and relevant government agencies to ensure that sanitation regulations are respected across Nasarawa State.