A civil society group, the Freedom Ambassadors Organisation, has urged the Edo government to prioritise the provision of modern sanitation equipment.

The group’s founder and president, Curtis Ogbebor, made the call at a news conference on Monday in Benin.

Mr Ogbebor criticised the government’s decision to appeal the court judgment that voided restrictions on movement during monthly environmental sanitation exercises.

He argued that rather than restricting residents’ movement, the government should focus on providing essential infrastructure such as waste collection trucks and public conveniences.

Mr Ogbebor noted that environmental sanitation should be a daily practice, emphasising that it falls primarily under the responsibility of local government councils rather than the state government.

He urged the government to ensure effective waste management and to provide adequate sanitation equipment.

The Edo State High Court ruled that the government’s stay-at-home directive during environmental sanitation days violated citizens’ constitutional rights.

The group has expressed its support for the judgment.

The organisation also warned the state government against violating the court’s order.

(NAN)