Nigeria’s Waste Economy Valued at Over $100 Billion, Says WAPAN

• The Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) is highlighting the vital role of waste pickers in Nigeria’s waste economy, valued at over $100 billion
• WAPAN aims to rebrand and uplift the waste collection sector while advocating for inclusive and collaborative waste management strategies

The Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) has emphasized the significant role of waste pickers in unlocking the vast economic and social potential within Nigeria’s waste economy, which is estimated to be worth over $100 billion.

WAPAN’s President, Com. Salisu Ali Yarima, made this assertion during a stakeholders and strategy meeting of waste business managers in Abuja. He stressed that WAPAN aims to transform Nigeria’s prevailing negative public perception of waste collection and intends to rebrand waste collection efforts nationwide.

Yarima announced that WAPAN is planning to host its first National Waste Pickers’ Conference in early 2024. The primary objective of this conference is to promote cleanliness, empower, and uplift waste pickers and waste-related businesses throughout Nigeria.

The organization’s overarching goal is to establish a sustainable, inclusive, and supportive ecosystem for the dedicated informal workers involved in the waste management value chain, who are young individuals.

WAPAN has been actively engaged in dialogue with relevant stakeholders, government agencies, and international organizations that share its vision for the sector. They have initiated correspondence through emails and dispatch letters to promote their objectives.

WAPAN calls on regulatory agencies to engage in constructive dialogue with its representatives to develop a more democratic approach to urban cleanup, emphasizing that sudden demolitions should be avoided in favour of collaborative and inclusive waste management strategies.

The waste pickers of Nigeria play a crucial role in managing the nation’s waste and contributing to its economic and social advancement. WAPAN’s efforts are geared towards recognizing and enhancing the contributions of these informal workers within the waste management sector.