Oluwafunbi Bello 
NASARAWA, Nigeria – The Nasarawa State Government has begun reviving two moribund recycling facilities as part of a wider strategy to modernise waste management and curb the growing environmental challenges confronting the state.
The plants, located in Angwan Rere, Lafia, and Auta Balefi in Karu Local Government Area, have operated far below capacity for years. Officials say both facilities will now receive modern machinery and technical upgrades to meet the state’s waste-processing needs.
Secretary of the State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, Mr Christopher Abari, made the announcement during November’s environmental sanitation exercise in Lafia on Saturday. “These facilities have been underutilised for too long. We are restoring them to full operational capacity to ensure efficient waste processing,” he said.
The rehabilitation is central to Governor Abdullahi Sule’s drive to improve waste infrastructure, reduce pollution and strengthen public health across Nasarawa’s 13 local government areas.
As part of the broader reforms, the state has deployed new waste bins at strategic locations while maintaining scheduled evacuations at designated dumping points. Abari warned residents against indiscriminate disposal, stressing that improper waste handling increases the risk of disease outbreaks.
He hailed the high compliance level recorded during the sanitation exercise and commended security agencies, traditional leaders and media partners for their support.
But enforcement remains strict. Chief Prosecutor Officer Abubakar Mohammed disclosed that 96 offenders were arrested across all LGAs for flouting sanitation laws, with cases tried in mobile courts. Offenders were charged under Section 9 (2) of the State Environmental Sanitation Law for conducting business activities during the mandatory sanitation period.
Officials say the combination of upgraded infrastructure, improved waste collection and rigorous enforcement is expected to transform the state’s environmental outlook and establish Nasarawa as a model for sustainable waste management.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 
Hussaini Ibrahim