15 OCTOBER 2026 | LAGOS STATE
The Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), under the leadership of its National President, Comrade Salisu Ali Yarima, led a delegation to the official unveiling of the Waste Pickers Empowerment and Formalisation Programme in Lagos State.
Jointly convened by TechnoServe, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and WAPAN, the three-month initiative targets the formalisation and empowerment of 3,000 waste pickers, collectors, and aggregators in Lagos State.
Following the launch of the programme targeting 3,000 waste workers in Anambra State on 8 October 2026, Lagos State has taken another significant step towards building a more inclusive, organised, and sustainable recycling sector.
Key activities and achievements at the Lagos launch include:
- Distribution of safety equipment: Essential protective equipment was distributed, including fire extinguishers, helmets, safety boots, jackets, and hand gloves.
- Training of registration agents: WAPAN trained 10 agents to support the registration and enrolment of waste workers.
- Stakeholder participation: Representatives of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and the Lagos Recyclers Association (LAGRA) participated in the exercise.
The programme will continue over the three-month implementation period, with further activities focused on worker registration, practical training, financial inclusion, improved occupational safety, and stronger access to recycling markets.
Behind every recovered bottle is a waste worker whose livelihood depends on the value of recovered materials. Their safety, recognition, and access to economic opportunities must remain central to the development of Nigeria’s recycling industry.
For WAPAN, success means more than numbers. It means ensuring that waste workers are formally recognised, adequately equipped, better protected, and positioned to earn sustainable incomes from their contributions to environmental management and resource recovery.
WAPAN extends its appreciation to Mr. Franklin Nwaribe and Daniel Oderinde of TechnoServe, as well as Modupe Adelaja and Franklin Adebisi of WAPAN, alongside all participating partners and stakeholders, for their commitment and contributions to the programme.
From Anambra to Lagos, the mission continues: empowering waste workers, strengthening recycling systems, and advancing Nigeria’s circular economy.