LAGOS/Nigeria: The Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) on Thursday unveiled its secretariat during a ceremony held in Lagos to commemorate the International Waste Pickers Day, with stakeholders calling for greater recognition of waste pickers as critical players in sustainable waste management.
Speaking at the event, the President of ASWOL, Mr. Friday Oku, urged government authorities and relevant stakeholders to formally recognise waste pickers as key actors in the circular economy, noting that their work plays a vital role in environmental sustainability and public health.
The event, themed “Zero Waste and Circular Economy Initiative: No Sustainability Without Waste Pickers,” highlighted the role of waste pickers in recovering recyclable materials from streets, communities and dumpsites before they end up in landfills.
Oku explained that waste pickers form the backbone of the circular economy by reducing waste, promoting reuse and enabling recycling through the recovery of valuable materials. He, however, lamented that despite their significant contributions, many waste pickers continue to operate under difficult conditions without protective equipment, social protection, fair remuneration or proper recognition.
“A just circular economy must recognise waste pickers as environmental workers and include them in policy formulation and decision-making processes,” he said, while calling on government, private sector organisations and development partners to support waste pickers’ cooperatives and associations.
He also appealed to stakeholders to assist in equipping and furnishing the newly inaugurated ASWOL secretariat to strengthen the association’s operations and coordination among members.
In a goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended waste pickers for their invaluable contribution to recycling and environmental sustainability across the state.
Represented by Mrs. Oguntola Omolara, an Assistant Chief Scientific Officer at LAWMA, Gbadegesin described members of ASWOL as pioneers of recycling and “superheroes” whose efforts support waste recovery and environmental protection.
He acknowledged that the recycling sector faces several challenges, including fluctuating prices of recyclable materials and operational difficulties encountered by waste pickers, but assured the association of the agency’s continued support.
Gbadegesin expressed optimism that the establishment of a secretariat for ASWOL would enhance coordination, organisation and collaboration among members of the association.
Also speaking, the Assistant General Secretary of ASWOL, Mrs. Tessy Bul-Insima, advocated for broader adoption of zero-waste and circular economy initiatives, explaining that the approach focuses on reducing waste through reuse, repair and recycling.
She urged governments, businesses and individuals to embrace sustainable practices that conserve resources, minimise waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Other partners and stakeholders present at the event also delivered goodwill messages, emphasising the importance of collective action in advancing sustainable waste management.
The highlight of the ceremony was the formal opening of the ASWOL secretariat by the representative of the LAWMA Managing Director, alongside the Executive Director of Sweep Foundation, Ambassador Obuesi Philips.
