By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) has inaugurated a high-powered Advisory Council to strengthen Nigeria’s drive towards a sustainable circular economy.
Chaired by a distinguished royal father, His Highness, Alhaji Muhammad Yusuf-Sa’in Lere, the 11-member Council was inaugurated on Monday in Abuja at an impressive ceremony anchored by Dr. Peter Ayim, an erudite scholar and circular economy expert.
Members of the Council include Engr. Mansur Ahmed, former Group Executive Director of Dangote Industries Limited; Mrs Amaka Onyemelukwe of Coca-Cola Foundation, Engr. Prof. Abdulhameed Danjuma Mambo, Dean of Environmental Sciences at Nile University of Nigeria; Ms Funto Borofice, Founder/CEO of Chanja Datti; and Engr. Haydar Mijinyawa of FOSSREA.
Others members are Alhaji Ali Sabo Yakasai, member of the Board of Trustees of WAPAN, Hajia Ladi Katagum, former Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; Mrs Agharese Lucia Onaghise, Executive Director of ERRA; Comrade Salisu Ali Yarima, WAPAN President; and Alhaji Suleiman Adama who doubles as Secretary to the Council.
In his welcome address, WAPAN President, Comrade Salisu Ali Yarima, emphasized the importance of the newly established council in advancing the association’s mission and amplifying the voices of waste pickers across Nigeria.
He noted that the council would provide critical guidance and institutional support needed to elevate the organization to greater national and global relevance.
Speaking on behalf of his members, Chairman of the Council, HH Alhaji Muhammad Yusuf-Sa’in Lere, said the inauguration marks a significant step towards strengthening governance, credibility, and strategic direction within the country’s waste management sector.
The Chairman who pledged his members’ commitment to serve, said the Council would provide strategic direction to support WAPAN’s vision of building a more organised, impactful, and economically productive waste management system in Nigeria.
Earlier in a keynote address, the Dean of Environment Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Prof. Abdulhameed Danjuma Mambo noted that advisory structures are essential for ensuring strong governance, policy alignment, and sustainable growth.
The don said such frameworks would help scale impact and align with national and global sustainability goals, aside promoting the dignity of hardworking waste pickers across the country.
The event brought together senior government officials, environmental experts, development partners, and stakeholders who are committed to improving the welfare and recognition of waste pickers nationwide.
Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal was represented by the Director of Pollution Control, Engr. (Dr.) Bahijjatu Abubakar, while the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalngu was represented by the Director of Environment, Mrs. Hannatu Ibrahim.
Also present was the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Alhaji
Aliu Akoshile; RUWES Head of Secretariat, Mrs Jumaima Ellah; and the President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr Jani Ibrahim who was ably represented by the Director of Abuja Secretariat, Dr. Emmanuel Akeh.
Goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders and their representatives who highlighted the urgent need to formalize and support the informal waste sector.
Speakers underscored the vital role waste pickers play in maintaining environmental sustainability despite facing social stigma, poor working conditions, and lack of formal recognition.
NatureNews notes that the inauguration signals a renewed commitment by WAPAN to institutional strengthening and advocacy for waste pickers’ rights, positioning the association as a key player in Nigeria’s environmental sustainability efforts.
