In a bold move to safeguard public health and ensure a cleaner, safer environment, the Adamawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has officially banned all scavenging activities across the state. This decisive action, announced on the government’s official social media platform, X, marks a significant step in the administration’s ongoing efforts to maintain order and protect the well-being of its citizens.
Governor Fintiri, who has been at the forefront of various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in Adamawa, signed an Executive Order that prohibits scavenging in all 21 Local Government Areas of the state. The order, which takes effect from Wednesday, 14th August 2024, remains in force until further notice.
The Executive Order defines “scavenging” as the act of rummaging through waste or engaging in activities that pose a nuisance or health hazard to the public. The Governor’s directive is clear: anyone caught engaging in scavenging will face severe consequences, including arrest and prosecution.
To ensure compliance, security agencies across Adamawa have been granted the authority to search, arrest, and detain any individual found violating this order. The government has also issued a stern warning against any attempts to obstruct the enforcement of the ban. Those found guilty of interfering with the execution of this order, or attempting to subvert its enforcement through bribery or other means, will be prosecuted under Section 5(2) and (3) of the Nigerian Constitution, as amended, and the Adamawa State Penal Code Law of 2018.
Violators of this Executive Order will face stringent penalties, including up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of ₦100,000, or both. This underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards activities that endanger public health and disrupt the peaceful order of society.
In his statement, Governor Fintiri emphasized the critical importance of this measure, saying, “This Executive Order serves as a strong warning to all scavengers and those who engage in such activities. The Adamawa State Government will not tolerate any actions that compromise the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens; violators will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. We urge all citizens to cooperate with the government in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.”
This prohibition is part of a broader strategy by the Fintiri administration to enhance environmental hygiene and promote sustainable urban management. By curbing scavenging activities, the government aims to eliminate potential public health risks, reduce crime associated with such practices, and uplift the image of Adamawa as a state committed to progress and development.
The order’s swift implementation reflects Governor Fintiri’s dedication to ensuring that Adamawa State remains a safe, orderly, and healthy place for all residents. As the administration continues to enforce this ban, it calls on the public to support the government’s efforts to create a better future for everyone in Adamawa.
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