The Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has disbursed N96 million soft loans to eight Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators to strengthen waste collection and environmental sanitation within the council.
The initiative, described as a landmark intervention in grassroots waste management, provides each PSP operator with N12 million as working capital to enhance operational efficiency.
The Executive Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Mr Idowu Akinola, said the soft loan scheme was designed to improve service delivery and ensure a cleaner environment.
Akinola said the eight PSP operators would repay the loans over a 12-month period after an initial grace phase.
“We are supporting eight PSP operators with N12 million each for six months as a soft loan. After a short grace period, they will commence repayment in instalments of N1 million monthly.
“This initiative is part of our commitment to environmental sanitation and improving waste management in our LCDA,” he said.
He said the council adopted a multi-stakeholder engagement approach, involving Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Committees (CDCs), the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and residents, to ensure the success of the programme.
He added that enforcement measures had also been introduced to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure compliance by residents.
“We have engaged all stakeholders and introduced checks and balances. Residents must pay for services rendered, while PSP operators must deliver efficiently.
“In recent weeks, enforcement actions have led to a significant reduction in waste on our streets,” he said.
He assured that the council was fully prepared to align with state sanitation policies, including the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr Babatunde Suleiman, said the programme marked the beginning of greater achievements in sustainable sanitation.
Suleiman, Head PSP Services, LAWMA, commended the council chairman for the initiative, noting that it had already attracted interest from other local governments seeking to replicate the model.
“It is the beginning of greater things to come. I can confidently say that after what the chairman has started, about four local governments have reached out to understand how this was achieved.
“The chairman adopted a strategic approach by engaging all critical stakeholders, including PSP operators, CDAs, CDCs, and other stakeholders.
“I witnessed the process, and it was thorough and inclusive. We pray that God continues to bless all those involved,” he said.
He also appealed for timely payment to PSP operators, stressing that their work, though critical, is often underappreciated.
“Our work is tough, but people hardly appreciate us. Ensuring prompt payment will eliminate operational delays and improve service delivery,” he added.
Also speaking, the National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), Dr Olubenga Adebola, described the initiative as innovative and impactful.
Adebola said effective waste management globally depends on strong collaboration among stakeholders, including government, operators and residents.
“For us, what you have witnessed today is a product of deliberate planning and collaboration with the executive chairman, who has done exceptionally well.
“This is a loan without collateral and interest, designed to support operators in maintaining their trucks and improving efficiency. It is a model that should be replicated across Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the association would continue to support the council and advocate similar interventions nationwide.
“We want other local governments to imbibe this model. Waste management is a grassroots responsibility, and this initiative demonstrates that with the right support, operators can deliver optimally,” Adebola said.
The AWAMN president emphasised the need to change public perception of waste, describing it as a valuable resource rather than mere refuse.
“Waste is not waste unless you waste it. We must begin to see waste as a resource that can generate value and support the economy,” he said.
In her remarks, the Head of Department Environment, Orile-Agege LCDA, Mrs Abimbola Adebimpe, described the initiative as a long-awaited intervention that would transform waste management in the area.
Adebimpe warned residents to comply with sanitation regulations, noting that enforcement would commence shortly.
“We have recorded a reduction in refuse accumulation due to proactive measures.
” However, enforcement will begin fully in the coming days.
“It will no longer be business as usual. Residents must take responsibility for proper waste disposal,” she said.
Also, the Chairman, Committee on Environment, Orile -Agege LCDA, Mr Oladumeji Adigun, said that the initiative was rooted in the understanding that a well-supported PSP system was critical to achieving effective waste management.
“Proper collaboration between the PSP operators and residents of Orile-Agege, the council is confident that the community will experience a cleaner and healthier environment.
“As a committee, we are fully committed to this vision, in line with the mandate given to us by the chairman.
“We are particularly encouraged by his passion and dedication to environmental sustainability.
His leadership reflects a deep commitment to public health and community well-being, guided by the principle that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” he said.
The initiative is expected to enhance operational capacity of PSP operators, improve waste collection efficiency and promote a cleaner environment in Orile-Agege LCDA.
Beneficiaries of the empowerment expressed gratitude to the chairman of the LCDA.
They expressed commitment to collaborate with the LCDA to rid it of waste. Present at the event included market leaders, leaders of faith based organisations, management and staff of the LCDA,
