Published by Science Nigeria
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), TearFund Nigeria, and other key stakeholders, has begun discussions to develop a comprehensive digital database aimed at profiling and supporting legitimate waste pickers across the country. This initiative is seen as a critical step towards enhancing accessibility, accountability, and recognition for waste pickers, who play a vital role in Nigeria’s waste management system.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ consultative forum on the development of a National Digital Repository (NDR) for waste pickers, organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment in partnership with the ILO and TearFund Nigeria, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, described waste pickers as “unsung heroes” of the waste management value chain.
“We cannot discuss sustainable waste management without acknowledging the contributions of waste pickers, who are an integral part of this process. These individuals provide essential services that protect our environment and public health, yet they often go unrecognized,” Lawal stated.
Lawal emphasized that waste pickers, commonly known as “Baban Bolla,” are crucial to waste recovery and contribute significantly to recycling and the circular economy. He highlighted their extensive involvement in all aspects of waste management, from collection and sorting to processing and selling recyclable materials. Despite their essential role, they continue to operate within the informal sector, facing numerous challenges.
“The growing demand for recyclable materials and the shift towards a circular economy make it imperative for governments and the public to recognize, regulate, and integrate waste pickers into formal waste management efforts,” Lawal added. “Doing so would unlock significant economic potential, with waste pickers serving as reliable foot soldiers in these initiatives.”
Represented by Omotunde Adeola, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the ministry, Lawal acknowledged the increasing recognition of waste pickers’ contributions to the local economy, public health, and environmental sustainability. However, he also pointed out the ongoing challenges they face, including poor living conditions, negative public perception, and limited government support.
Stephen Agugua, ILO National Project Coordinator, highlighted the human rights challenges faced by waste pickers, despite their critical role in environmental and public health. He underscored the potential for waste management to create jobs and strengthen local economies through the circular economy, emphasizing the importance of developing a repository for waste pickers to address these challenges.
In his remarks, Benjamin Osawa from TearFund expressed optimism about Nigeria’s steps towards legitimizing waste pickers’ activities, recognizing their critical role in the nation’s economic development. He stressed that the consultative forum provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to contribute to the development of the digital repository.
UNICEF’s Climate Change Manager, Chiranjibi Tiwin, also noted the significant amount of waste generated in Nigeria each year and the associated health and environmental risks. He pointed out that waste pickers are at the forefront of waste management, yet they often work informally under hazardous conditions. Tiwin reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the initiative, particularly through its Youth for Climate Action in Nigeria (YOU-CAN) initiative, which aims to involve young people in plastic waste management.
This collaborative effort marks a significant stride towards formalizing and empowering Nigeria’s waste pickers, ensuring they receive the recognition, protection, and support they deserve in their essential work.