By Faridat Salifu
The National President of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), Salisu Ali Yarima, has appealed to international and local organizations to support over 13,000 member waste pickers on the country by providing training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other resources.
Yerima sought the support on Tuesday in Abuja, while speaking at the One-Day Consultative Forum on the Development of a National Digital Repository for Waste Pickers.
He also proposed the establishment of recycling hub centers in each state and pilot zones, where waste pickers could work without fear of eviction or harassment.
Yarima further advocated for the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme, which would include waste pickers in benefit programs and facilitate their access to financial resources, such as microloans and climate finance.
He highlighted the significant contributions of waste pickers to the country’s waste management system and environmental sustainability.
In his address at the ceremony, Yarima commended the Federal Ministry of Environment, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Tearfund Nigeria for initiating the digital repository project, which aims to streamline the registration and support of waste pickers nationwide.
He noted that the goals of the digital repository align closely with WAPAN’s ongoing efforts to conduct a national data capture of all waste pickers across the country.
His words: “WAPAN has made substantial progress, establishing a presence in 32 out of 36 states in Nigeria and registering over 13,000 members, including about 2,500 women waste pickers,” Yarima raid.
He emphasized the crucial role waste pickers play in removing approximately 70% of recyclable waste from landfills, rivers, and other water bodies, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and public health.
The WAPAN leader also highlighted the challenges waste pickers face, including societal stigma, lack of government support, and unsafe working conditions.
He recounted the tragic case of Habib Ali, a waste picker who was killed by security forces in Abuja, and criticized recent actions by state governments, such as the ban on waste picking in Adamawa State, which was implemented without consulting WAPAN.
“We urgently call upon the Nigerian government, particularly in states like the FCT, Rivers, Lagos, Borno, Kwara, and Adamawa, to recognize the invaluable contributions of waste pickers,” Yarima stated.
He urged authorities to lift bans on waste picking, collaborate with WAPAN to integrate waste pickers into the formal waste management system, and provide the necessary support to ensure their safety and productivity.
Yarima further advocated for the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme, which would include waste pickers in benefit programs and facilitate their access to financial resources, such as microloans and climate finance.
In conclusion, Yarima expressed WAPAN’s strong support for the digital repository initiative, emphasizing that now is the time for collective action to register, recognize, empower, and protect waste pickers in Nigeria.
“Together, we can foster an inclusive and sustainable future where waste pickers are recognized and valued as indispensable partners in environmental conservation and economic growth,” he said.
