By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) has announced the commencement of a nationwide registration drive for its members across the country.
This initiative aims to change the public perception of waste pickers by providing proper coordination and monitoring of their activities.
The drive is coming at a time when the issue of clean and green environment is a top discussion among countries to tackle climate change.
WAPAN, recently inaugurated, is taking this step to enhance the image and role of waste pickers, especially in the context of promoting a clean and green environment and the conversion of waste to fossil fuel, which is a key aspect of climate change mitigation.
WAPAN reports a membership strength of over 250,000 across Nigeria. Committees have been established to develop strategies for increasing membership.
Registration forms are available both in physical form and online to accommodate members in each of the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Suleiman Adama, the General Secretary of WAPAN, highlighted the numerous benefits associated with waste picking for the environment, individuals, the government, and society at large.
He emphasized that waste pickers play a crucial role in cleaning up the environment and contribute to reducing unemployment and crime rates by providing job opportunities.
“There are lots of benefits in waste picking. First, for the environment and the good of Nigeria. Our members are going round the country picking wastes from the roads. That is helping the environment.
“Secondly, our members are able to make some money and that takes them off the unemployment market. It also takes them off from crime and other vices”, he said.
The WAPAN General Secretary pointed out that the need to properly monitor the activities of waste pickers and give them a sense of pride informed the reason for the registration.
“Again, we are embarking on the registration for security. Once they are under our umbrella, we are able to monitor them. You know, a lot of waste pickers, they accuse them of stealing, drug addiction and all that. So, putting them under our umbrella, we are able to monitor them and we are able to control them for the benefit of society”, he noted.
One of the primary reasons for the registration drive is to monitor and provide a sense of pride to waste pickers. By bringing them under the association’s umbrella, WAPAN can monitor and control their activities, ultimately benefiting society.
Adama mentioned that many waste pickers face accusations of theft and drug addiction, and this registration will help address these issues.
WAPAN collaborates with various government agencies, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Federal Ministry of Labour, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, as well as corporate organizations, to promote a clean environment and achieve its objectives.
He stated: “We work with different government agencies like the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Federal Ministry of Labour, the Nigeria Police Force, the federal Ministry of Environment and so many corporate organisations. We are meeting with them, we are sensitising them on what to do and we call on them to give us the necessary support.”
While there are currently no penalties for unregistered members, Adama encouraged all waste pickers to register under WAPAN’s umbrella for their protection and the betterment of society.
He emphasized that being registered would allow the association to support its members in case they encounter any difficulties.
He said: “There is no penalty but it will be in their best interest for them to come under our umbrella because we are now able to protect them in case they fall into any trouble.”
This initiative by WAPAN reflects the organization’s commitment to improving the working conditions and recognition of waste pickers while contributing to environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
