Waste pickers in Lagos have called for formal recognition and inclusion in Nigeria’s circular economy drive.
Mr Friday Oku, President Association of Scraps and Wastepickers of Lagos (ASWOL) made the call on Sunday to commemorate
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the International Waste Pickers’ Day 2026 is ‘Zero Waste and Circular Economy Initiative: No Sustainability without Waste Pickers”
Oku said sustainability was impossible without waste pickers.
He noted that waste pickers recover, sort and return valuable materials into productive use daily.
He said that their activities reduce landfill pressure, prevent pollution, conserve resources and support climate action.
According to him, waste pickers practised circular economy long before it became a global concept.
He, however, lamented that many waste pickers operate without formal recognition, social protection and safe working conditions.
Oku urged governments and private sector actors to recognise waste pickers as environmental service providers.
He also called for inclusive waste policies, occupational safety, fair compensation and participation in waste management systems.
Oku reiterated that zero waste cannot be achieved through policy alone but through people driving daily environmental action.
NAN reports that ASWOL is affiliated with the International Alliance of Waste Pickers.
