As part of efforts to promote sustainable used cooking oil (Ororo) waste management, environmental protection and the circular economy, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in collaboration with Ororo Waste Management, on Thursday commenced a two-day capacity-building training on Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Collection for waste pickers, market women and youths across Lagos State.
The training, which runs from July 9 to 10, 2026, is being held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, and is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required for the safe collection, handling and proper management of used cooking oil.
A total of 23 youths participated in the first day of the programme, including Hausa and Yoruba-speaking participants, reflecting the inclusive nature of the initiative and its commitment to empowering diverse communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Speaking during the training, the General Secretary of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), Alhaji Suleiman Adama, who addressed participants in both Hausa and English, described the programme as a landmark initiative of the Lagos State government, capable of transforming waste management practices in Nigeria.
According to him, the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria serves as the umbrella body for waste pickers nationwide, with the responsibility of organising, promoting and protecting their welfare while advancing environmental sustainability.
Alhaji Adama noted that the collaboration between Ororo Waste Management and the Lagos State Government, through LASEPA, has introduced waste pickers to an entirely new dimension of waste management beyond the traditional collection of plastics, cartons and metals.
He commended Ororo Waste Management and the Lagos State Government for pioneering the initiative, describing it as the first of its kind for members of the association.
He explained that the collection of used cooking oil would not only improve environmental sustainability and public health, but also create an additional stream of income for waste pickers and unemployed youths.
The WAPAN General Secretary stressed that while the programme is still at its early stage, data generated from the project would, over time, demonstrate its environmental impact through the quantity of used cooking oil diverted from indiscriminate disposal.
He further emphasised the need for sustained public enlightenment to change the perception that used cooking oil should simply be discarded or repeatedly reused.
According to him, awareness campaigns across markets, communities and neighbourhoods, coupled with education on the health risks associated with the repeated use of degraded cooking oil, would encourage greater public participation.
He also revealed that households and food vendors who participate in the collection programme would receive incentives and tokens from Ororo Waste Management, a strategy he believes would motivate wider community participation.
Alhaji Adama called for increased government support to strengthen the initiative by providing operational equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), transportation facilities such as tricycles and other logistics that would enable waste pickers to carry out their work more efficiently.
Participants at the training expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and Ororo Waste Management for the initiative.
One of the participants, Mr. Ishola Abdulateef Olamilekan, commended the organisers for exposing participants to the economic and environmental value of used cooking oil. He noted that the knowledge gained during the training would significantly improve his business while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Another participant, Yusuf Abdullahi from Katsina State, thanked the Lagos State Government for supporting the programme, saying the training had broadened his understanding of the proper collection and value of used cooking oil.
Similarly, Nafiu Umaru from Kebbi State expressed gratitude to the organisers, stating that the training had equipped him with valuable knowledge on the importance of used cooking oil collection and its contribution to environmental sustainability and income generation.
