By Stanley Onunkwor
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has commended waste pickers for their contributions to environmental sanitation and sustainability, describing them as environmental heroes whose daily activities help keep communities clean and promote responsible waste management.
Aguiyi made the commendation on October 12 during the Waste Pickers Formalisation and Empowerment Programme organised by TechnoServe in Awka under the umbrella of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN). The event was attended by the National President of WAPAN, Comrade Salisu Yerima, and the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.
He conveyed the goodwill of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to initiatives aimed at recognising, empowering and protecting waste pickers. He described them as critical stakeholders whose activities contribute significantly to recycling, waste recovery and environmental cleanliness, in line with the environmental objectives of the governor’s Solution Agenda.
According to Aguiyi, formalising the waste-picking sector would help address the stigma and discrimination faced by workers, who are sometimes wrongly perceived as aimless wanderers or associated with criminal activities. He explained that formalisation would provide them with recognised identities, professional training, appropriate working equipment and better access to protection, while creating opportunities for improved earnings and sustainable livelihoods.
He stressed that waste pickers deserved dignity, respect and recognition for the essential services they render to society. He added that integrating them into an organised waste management system would strengthen environmental governance and improve recycling and resource recovery across the state.
The commissioner also emphasised the importance of occupational health and safety, urging waste pickers to use personal protective equipment, including face masks, safety boots, reflective jackets and gloves, to reduce their exposure to hazardous materials, communicable diseases and other workplace risks.
He noted that protecting the workers would also safeguard their families, communities and the wider public against preventable health hazards. Aguiyi disclosed that a draft law addressing waste pickers and the formalisation of their activities was in place. He explained that the proposed legislation included provisions requiring waste contractors to supply workers with appropriate protective equipment and other essential safety materials.
According to him, the legal framework would establish clearer operational standards, promote accountability and ensure that the welfare of waste pickers received adequate attention. He commended TechnoServe for supporting efforts to transform the sector, describing the initiative as an important step towards building an inclusive, professional and sustainable environmental management system in Anambra State.
Earlier, the National President of WAPAN, Comrade Salisu Yerima, praised Aguiyi’s environmental leadership and commitment to improving environmental management in the state. Yerima said the association had been monitoring the commissioner’s activities since his appointment and expressed appreciation for his professional experience and dedication to environmental protection.
He described the formalisation programme as a significant development that would improve the recognition, welfare and working conditions of waste pickers while strengthening their contribution to environmental sustainability.
Stanley Onunkwor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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