By Abdullahi Lukman
National President of Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), Comrade Salisu Ali Yarima, has said proper waste management represents a major economic opportunity rather than a burden to the nation.
Comrade Yarima who stated this in Abuja on Monday at the inauguration of the pioneer Advisory Council of WAPAN, stressed the need to reposition waste as a valuable resource capable of driving Nigeria’s circular economy and jobs creation.
According to him, effective waste management can unlock economic value, improve livelihoods, and enhance environmental sustainability across the country.
Comrade Yarima noted that WAPAN has continued to strengthen partnerships with organisations such as UNICEF, BASF, and GIZ to support initiatives including waste recovery, ocean cleanup, and upcycling projects in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of a high powered Advisory Council which is expected to provide strategic guidance, deepen partnerships, and strengthen the association’s institutional capacity for long-term impact.
Members of the Council include His Highness, Alhaji Muhammad Yusuf, Sa’in Lere as Chairman, Mrs Amaka Onyemelukwe of Coca-Cola Foundation, Engr. Prof. Abdulhameed Danjuma Mambo of Nile University of Nigeria, Engr. Haydar Mijinyawa of FOSSREA, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, former Group Executive Director of Dangote Industries Limited.
Others are Alhaji Ali Sabo Yakasai, member of the Board of Trustees of WAPAN, Hajia Ladi Katagum, former Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Ms Funto Borofice, Founder/CEO of Chanja Datti, Mrs Agharese Lucia Onaghise, Executive Director of ERRA, Comrade Salisu Ali Yarima, WAPAN President, and Alhaji Suleiman Adama as Secretary to the Council.
In his keynote address, the Dean of Environment Sciences, Nile University Abuja, Prof. Abdulhameed Danjuma Mambo noted that advisory structures are essential for ensuring strong governance, policy alignment, and sustainable growth.
He added that such frameworks would help scale impact and align with national and global sustainability goals.
The event was graced by many stakeholders including Engr (Dr.) Bahijjatu Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control, Federal Ministry of Environment; Mrs. Hannatu Ibrahim, Director of Environment, AMAC, Mr.
Aliu Akoshile, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, NatureNews, Dr. Emmanuel Akeh, Director of Abuja Secretariat, NACCIMA, and RUWES Head of Secretariat, Mrs Jumaima Ellah.
In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Council, HH Alhaji Muhammad Yusuf, Sa’in Lere, pledged that the Advisory Council would provide strategic direction to support WAPAN’s vision of building a more organised, impactful, and economically productive waste management system in Nigeria.
The event concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to partnerships aimed at turning waste into wealth while improving the livelihoods of waste pickers nationwide.