Table of Contents
- Suspension of Monthly Sanitation
- Announcement Details
- Governor's Support for RIWAMA
- Public Reaction to Sanitation Restrictions
- Legal Background
The Rivers State Government has halted the monthly sanitation exercise in the state.
This announcement was made on Thursday by the Chairman of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency, RIWAMA, Samuel Wanosike.
Wanosike addressed journalists following a meeting between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the management team of RIWAMA at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
He clarified that the suspension would allow the agency to enhance its capacity and explore more effective strategies for achieving a cleaner Rivers State.
The RIWAMA chairman also highlighted the governor’s dedication to assisting the agency in overcoming its challenges and ensuring effective waste management, especially in Port Harcourt and other regions of the state.
The monthly sanitation, which was reintroduced in September 2025, faced considerable backlash as the agency imposed a movement restriction on the affected Saturdays, from 6 am to 10 am.
Numerous public affairs analysts, legal experts, and civil society organizations criticized the movement restrictions, arguing that they infringed upon the fundamental rights of the state's residents.
They also referenced a 2020 ruling by a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which determined that restricting movement during sanitation, both for vehicles and pedestrians, was illegal and unconstitutional.
Why was the monthly sanitation exercise suspended?
The monthly sanitation exercise was suspended to allow the Rivers State Waste Management Agency to build more capacity and develop better strategies for maintaining a cleaner environment.
What were the public responses to the sanitation restrictions?
Public reactions included widespread criticism from analysts, legal practitioners, and civil society organizations, who argued that the movement restrictions violated residents' fundamental rights.
What did the court ruling state regarding movement restrictions during sanitation?
A 2020 judgment by a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt ruled that imposing restrictions on movement during sanitation, for both vehicles and pedestrians, was illegal and unconstitutional.
