Umuahia: The Abia Government has announced the commencement of a biogas initiative aimed at improving hygiene and environmental standards in abattoirs across the state. Mr Ogbonnia Okereke, the General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), shared this development while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held in Umuahia.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the project will initially begin at the Lokpanta Abattoir, focusing on generating biogas from animal waste to ensure meat is processed safely. This initiative aims to put an end to the hazardous practice of burning meat with disused tyres, which has been a common alternative to expensive firewood in South-Eastern Nigeria. Okereke highlighted the health risks associated with meat processed using tyres due to the release of toxic substances.
The biogas initiative marks a significant cultural shift, emphasizing its benefits for public health and environmental sustainability. The state government has already reopened the Lokpanta and Uzuakoli Abattoirs after comprehensive renovations to meet hygiene and safety standards. These facilities were previously closed due to unsanitary conditions but have now been fully retrofitted and are ready for public use.
Okereke expressed the state government's commitment to transitioning from a linear to a circular economy by converting waste into energy and recyclable resources. To support this transition, ASEPA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a firm experienced in waste-to-energy technology. Discussions on the waste-to-energy business are at advanced stages, with implementation expected to begin shortly.
He urged residents to improve compliance with sanitation fee payments to sustain ASEPA's services and innovations, describing the revised ASEPA rates as affordable and among the lowest in the South-East region. Okereke noted that Aba had become cleaner than Umuahia despite its higher population and complexity. The success in Aba is attributed to the strong support and cooperation of its residents in maintaining environmental cleanliness.
Residents in Aba often assist ASEPA by identifying and apprehending sanitation defaulters, showing remarkable civic engagement. In contrast, such community-driven enforcement is still lacking in Umuahia. Okereke assured that task forces would continue to remain active in both cities, combining enforcement with public cooperation.
He called on all citizens to join efforts towards a cleaner, healthier Abia, noting that officials cannot be everywhere. ASEPA remains dedicated to public health, environmental innovation, and effective waste management.