By Isaac Mission 

The Anambra State Government has commenced moves to strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations across the state following Governor Charles Soludo’s declaration of an environmental emergency.

The government said environmental compliance would no longer be treated lightly, as it moves to translate the governor’s directive into concrete action.

The renewed enforcement drive became evident when the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, paid an unscheduled visit to the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade in Awka.

The OCHA Brigade, established during the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano, is responsible for enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring that residents comply with the provisions of the state’s environmental laws.

During the inspection, Aguiyi urged officers of the brigade to intensify their activities, stressing that the state could not afford further delays in addressing its environmental problems.

According to the commissioner, Anambra is currently facing an environmental emergency, making the role of the OCHA Brigade particularly important.

He described the brigade as the “environmental police in Anambra State” and instructed its personnel to resume full operations to support the government’s efforts to improve environmental standards across the state.

Aguiyi also inspected the agency’s facilities and emphasised that effective enforcement would be a major component of the Soludo administration’s environmental programme.

He said the governor’s directive required immediate implementation, noting that action on the state’s environmental challenges could not be postponed.

The Ministry of Environment is expected to engage further with the OCHA Brigade as the government develops a broader enforcement strategy aimed at improving environmental compliance and protecting the state’s environment.