Workers’ Day: Waste pickers seek recognition, inclusion
Informal waste pickers have called for greater recognition and inclusion in Nigeria’s waste management system as they joined workers worldwide to mark International Workers’ Day.
Friday Oku, president of the Association of Scrap and Wastepickers of Lagos, made the call in a statement in Lagos on Friday.
Mr Oku said thousands of waste pickers contribute daily to environmental sustainability by recovering recyclable materials, reducing pollution, and supporting the circular economy.
He, however, decried harsh working conditions, including stigma, poor income, lack of social protection, and limited access to healthcare and safety support.
He urged government authorities, private-sector stakeholders, and the public to recognise waste picking as legitimate work and to implement inclusive policies that integrate waste pickers into formal waste management systems.
Mr Oku also called for fair compensation, access to healthcare, provision of safety equipment, and financial support.
According to him, sustainable urban development cannot be achieved without acknowledging the role of waste pickers in keeping cities clean and reducing pressure on landfills.
He emphasised the need for their voices to be heard, their dignity respected, and their contributions fully valued.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
UK women, partners to get two weeks’ bereavement leave after miscarriage from next year
“From April, women and their partners will be entitled to two weeks off after any pregnancy loss,” Mr Burnham said.
Africa
Climate Change: 32 million West Africans may become refugees by 2050, says ECOWAS
ECOWAS says 32 million West Africans risk being displaced from their communities due to climate change.
States
Navy recovers 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy recovered 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers.
Economy
Edible oil tanker drivers suspend planned strike
NUEOTDN President Ilias Aperun said the decision followed interventions by the federal government and the State Security Service (SSS).
States
Lagos APC governorship candidate Hamzat rallies voters for 2027
Mr Hamzat expressed concern about declining voter participation, noting that of the 6.2 million registered voters in Lagos in the last election, only about 1.2 million voted.
Economy
NMDPRA begins consultations on anti-competition regulations in petroleum sector
The proposed regulations are designed to address abuse of dominance and promote fair, non-discriminatory access to essential petroleum infrastructure.
