16/07/2026
Edo Govt Invests in Flood Control, Waste Management, Erosion Works to Improve Living Standards
By Ukoko Ogheneyoleme
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability through strategic investments in flood control, erosion management and waste management initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams, Esq., disclosed this while presenting the Ministry's achievements at the Ministry of Information and Strategy's bi-monthly press briefing in Benin City. The briefing was organised to update the public on the performance of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Hon. Adams explained that the Ministry supervises the Edo State Waste Management Board, Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency, and the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency. He noted that the Ministry has intensified efforts to combat flooding and erosion through the rehabilitation and reactivation of drainage and retention systems at four critical locations within Benin metropolis.
According to him, the Ministry has also sustained stakeholder engagements with host communities to strengthen collaboration on environmental protection and regulatory compliance. To enhance enforcement of environmental laws, he said a mobile court now sits weekly to prosecute environmental and sanitation offences.
Highlighting some of the Ministry's achievements, the Commissioner said the drainage and retention system around the Military Base Hospital has been rehabilitated, significantly improving water evacuation in the area.
"The area previously experienced prolonged flooding, but water now drains within 10 minutes," he said.
He added that flooding along Boundary Road has also reduced considerably following the reactivation of its retention pond, with floodwaters now receding in less than 30 minutes.
The Commissioner further disclosed that major flood control works are ongoing along the Uselu–New Lagos Road corridor, particularly around the S&T Barracks, where drainage channels have been desilted. He said additional desilting would be carried out, while extensive intervention works have also been undertaken at Tomline.
According to him, the Ministry is constructing an additional retention pond within the S&T Barracks, after which attention will shift to improving the drainage infrastructure crossing New Lagos Road.
On long-term erosion control, Hon. Adams revealed that the Edo State Government has paid its counterpart funding for collaboration with the European Investment Bank on the Benin Storm Water Project.
He explained that the project, which stalled under the previous administration, is expected to resume within the next two months. The second and final phase, he said, will cover Tomline, Siluko Road and Ekenwan Road to provide lasting solutions to flooding and erosion challenges in the affected areas.
Speaking on waste management, the Commissioner disclosed that Benin City generates over 4,000 tonnes of waste daily, stressing that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Edo State Waste Management Board, is implementing measures to address the challenge.
He noted that the state currently operates five dumpsites, one of which is equipped with a recycling plant to promote environmentally sustainable waste disposal.
Hon. Adams also expressed concern over the activities of illegal miners operating in parts of Edo North, Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas, warning that indiscriminate mining poses serious environmental risks and threatens public safety.
He assured residents that the Ministry is strengthening enforcement measures to curb illegal mining activities and safeguard affected communities.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Prince Kassim Afegbua, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for engaging traditional rulers in the fight against insecurity across the state.
He also lauded the Oba of Benin for mobilising traditional rulers and Enigie to support ongoing efforts to combat criminality and enhance security.
Present at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi; the Managing Director, Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency, Mr. Ighodalo Dave; the Managing Director, Edo State Waste Management Board, Dr. Lucky Inehita-Inegbenehi; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Sustainability, Hon. Johnson Adamu., and directors of the Ministry.
