NIGERIA – The federal government has unveiled plans to create a national digital repository to address the numerous challenges faced by waste pickers.
This announcement was made by Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, during a one-day stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, organized in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Tearfund Nigeria.
Lawal emphasized that waste pickers are the backbone of waste management, significantly contributing to recycling efforts and the circular economy.
He highlighted that integrating waste pickers into Nigeria’s waste management system could unlock substantial economic potential.
Despite their crucial role in public health, safety, and environmental sustainability, waste pickers often face negative public perceptions, live in deplorable conditions, and receive minimal government support.
“We cannot discuss sustainable waste management without acknowledging the operations of waste pickers, who are integral to the waste management value chain,” Lawal stated.
He further noted that waste pickers, often unsung heroes, provide essential services that protect the environment and public health.
Their activities span all aspects of waste management, including collection, sorting, transportation, processing, and selling recovered and recyclable materials to earn a living.
Lawal stressed the growing demand for recyclable materials and the transition to a circular economy, making it imperative for governments and the public to recognize, regulate, and integrate waste pickers into the broader waste management system.
Globally, the role of waste pickers in plastic management is being increasingly recognized, with local authorities making significant efforts to integrate and partner with waste picker associations.
This includes greater engagement with these associations in formulating solid waste management and national plastic policies.
Vanessa Phala-Moyo, the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, also spoke at the forum. She underlined the need for effective and controlled waste management practices and noted that when managed properly, waste can create job opportunities within a circular economy.
Chiranjibi Tiwari, a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative, added that Nigeria produces large amounts of waste annually, which could lead to significant health issues if not properly managed.
“Waste pickers, at the beginning of the waste management cycle, play a critical role in our environmental management and public health,” Tiwari stated.
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