In a renewed drive to improve environmental sanitation and encourage healthy sanitary competition among markets in Aba, the Deputy General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Aba Zone, Elder Okezie Ezengwa, convened a high-level meeting with market Chairmen and representatives across the commercial city. The meeting, which held at the ASEPA Conference Hall, focused on market clustering, sanitation practices, and the introduction of a quarterly reward system to recognize the cleanest markets in Aba.
A major highlight of the meeting was the formal introduction of a new market clustering framework that groups all major and minor markets in Aba into four categories—A, B, C, and D. The aim, according to ASEPA, is to create a fair and structured system for rating markets, tracking cleanliness, and awarding prizes for the best-performing clusters on a quarterly basis.
Market Categories Announced
- Category A (Large and Complex Markets):
Ariaria International Market, Asa Nnetu Motor Spare Parts, Ariaria Shop Plaza, New Market (Ahia Ohuru), Shopping Center (Ekeoha Market), Ehere Market, Uratta Timber Market (Ogbo Osisi). - Category B (Mid-sized Markets):
Bakassi Market, Free Market, Nkwongwa Market, Good Morning Market, Abattoir Market, Ekeakpara Market, GSM Plaza (St Michael’s Road), Iheorji Market 1 (Right Side), Nkwachi Okpu Market, Clifford Road Market, Akwette/Etche Road Market Traders, School Road Market, Kent Curtain Dealers, GSM Plaza (Ndoki Road ICT Centre). - Category C (Smaller Markets & Specialized Zones):
Old Ehere Market, Tonimas Market, Highlife Market, Ahia Nkwo Abayi, Afule, Umungasi Market, Amaogbonna Market, 7Up Market, Old Court, Lake House Market, Iheorji Market 2, Slaughter Market (Ogbor Hill), Allen Market (Expressway). - Category D (Fringe and Roadside Markets):
Ariaria Junction, Osisioma Flyover Market, Salad Market, Okpu-Umuobo Bridge Market, Uratta by PH Expressway, Ururuaka (Obikabia Market), Kalunta Market, Ukaegbu Market, Ehi Road Market, Ohabiam Electronic Market.
While several market leaders welcomed the new categorization as a step toward inclusivity and visibility, others raised concerns about omissions. Elder Ezengwa responded promptly, assuring them that the list was subject to amendment and urged them to review the clustering document thoroughly for necessary additions and realignments.
“We are open to feedback. If your market or union is not captured, reach out we’re willing to make adjustments, This system is for you. It’s not for punishment, but for encouragement.” the DGM said
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A core agenda of the meeting was the sanitation award initiative. Elder Ezengwa disclosed that ASEPA will now evaluate each market quarterly, with prizes and government recognition going to those that maintain the highest levels of hygiene.
“This is not just about cleaning up for the sake of cleaning, It’s about legacy. What kind of city are we leaving behind for our children? Let’s use this opportunity to build a better, cleaner Aba.” he said
Traders were advised to purchase the ASEPA approved refuse buckets and discourage indiscriminate waste disposal. The agency revealed that no sanitation-specific fees have been collected from markets this year and warned traders to beware of impersonators demanding unofficial payments.
Market Leaders React
Chief Ambassador Godson of Ehere Modern Market voiced frustration over the lack of ASEPA presence in his market for more than a decade, noting that existing refuse piles have remained unattended.
“We have not seen ASEPA’s impact in over 15 years. We can’t convince our members to pay for services we don’t see,” he said.
Elder Ezengwa responded with assurances that compactors and support would be sent immediately to tackle longstanding waste. “This new administration is committed. We will not ignore any market big or small,” he emphasized.
Others, including leaders from Old Court Road Market and Aba Yam Dealers Association, echoed similar concerns over inadequate refuse collection points. The DGM noted that more refuse buckets are being deployed, with 20 additional units 12 newly produced and 8 refurbished ready to serve more market locations.
Elder Ezengwa closed the session with a strong message of collaboration: “ASEPA’s mission is not just environmental. It is also to support your leadership. If your tenure succeeds, ASEPA will also succeed. Reach out to us. Let us know where the gaps are. Together, we will keep Aba clean.”
The traders applauded the transparency and openness of the engagement. Mr. Boniface Akano of Old Court Road Market thanked the agency for organizing what he described as “a kind of meeting we never had with past governments,” while another trader, Mr. Peters Goodluck aka “Excel Boy Onyegun,” hailed Aba’s transformation under the current administration, calling it “the Dubai of Nigeria.”
As the rain season sets in, ASEPA’s message remains clear: the responsibility for a clean, healthy Aba is shared and every market must rise to the occasion.
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