International Waste Pickers’ Day: ASWOL opens secretariat, seeks inclusion in zero-waste policies
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Waste pickers under the aegis of the Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) have called on government and stakeholders to formally recognise and integrate them into zero-waste and circular economy policies, insisting that sustainability cannot be achieved without their involvement.
The call was made on Thursday, March 5th, 2026 during the commemoration of International Waste Pickers’ Day themed, “Zero Waste and Circular Economy Initiative: No Sustainability Without Waste Pickers,” where the association also officially opened its secretariat.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the ASWOL President, Comrade Friday Oku, the General Secretary, Mr. Abdulwahab Abdulmumuni, described waste pickers as the backbone of the circular economy, noting that they play a crucial role in reducing waste, promoting reuse and enabling recycling across communities.
“Before policies are written, before recycling plants operate, waste pickers are already on the streets and at dumpsites recovering value from what society discards,” he said.
“There can be no zero waste without waste pickers. There can be no circular economy without waste pickers.”
Oku lamented that despite their environmental contributions, waste pickers remain among the most marginalised workers, often operating without protective equipment, social protection, fair pay or formal recognition.
He stressed that a just circular economy must be inclusive, urging governments, private sector players, environmental organisations and development partners to formally recognise waste pickers as key stakeholders in waste management systems.
He also called for their integration into zero-waste policies, investment in cooperatives and associations, and protection of their rights, safety and livelihoods.
The ASWOL president appealed for support from stakeholders to equip the newly opened secretariat with office equipment and furniture to strengthen the association’s operations.
In a related address on zero-waste and circular economy initiatives, the Assistant general secretary of the association (ASWOL), Mrs. Tessy Bul-Nsima, emphasised the urgency of transitioning from the current linear model of “take, make and dispose” to a more sustainable system that keeps resources in continuous use.
According to her, zero waste focuses on designing and managing products and processes to minimise waste through reuse, repair and recycling, while a circular economy seeks to design out waste and pollution, keep materials in use for as long as possible and regenerate natural systems.
Practical steps highlighted included designing products for reuse and recycling, using renewable energy and materials, encouraging repair and repurposing, and promoting recycling and upcycling.
Tessy noted that the benefits of adopting circular practices include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of resources and creation of new economic opportunities.
She urged governments, businesses and individuals to support policies that promote sustainability and adopt circular practices in order to build a regenerative future.
Speaking at the event, a representative of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mrs. Oguntola Omolara, congratulated the Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) on what she described as a landmark achievement, particularly the opening of its secretariat.
Omolara commended the association for its commitment to environmental sustainability and urged members not to relent in their efforts.
She reaffirmed LAWMA’s support for ASWOL, expressing optimism about stronger collaboration between both bodies in the future to further advance waste management efforts and keep Lagos clean.
Also speaking at the event, Amb. Obuesi Phillips, President of the Lagos Waste Forum and SWEEP Foundation, expressed strong support for the work of the Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL), emphasizing the indispensable role of waste pickers in the city’s waste management system.
According to him: “We are proud to associate with ASWOL and all their activities. It is impressive to know that no country can do away with waste pickers.
“We are grateful to be part of your journey, and our organization will continually support your vision.”
Phillips noted that waste pickers are critical to sustainable waste management, highlighting their contribution to recycling and the circular economy.
He reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with ASWOL in advancing inclusive waste management policies and initiatives across Lagos State.
Also, as part of activities marking the event, participants embarked on an awareness walk to sensitise residents on the importance of separating waste at source.
The campaign highlighted the economic value of recyclable materials, particularly plastics, with organisers stressing that “plastic waste is money” when properly sorted and recycled.
The awareness drive also reinforced the need for residents to keep Lagos clean in order to promote a thriving circular economy and achieve long-term environmental sustainability.
The event ended with a renewed call for solidarity among waste pickers and a strong message that environmental sustainability, zero waste and circular economy goals cannot be achieved without their active inclusion and recognition.
