POWER Project: Ecocykle distributes health materials to encourage sustainable waste practices – EnviroNews

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The Ecocykle Development Foundation (EDF) has trained and provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to over 50 informal waste pickers in the Karu local government area in Nasarawa State as part of its efforts to help address the issue of health and safety in the informal waste management sector in Nigeria.

The initiative, funded by the SHE Korean Grant, is being implemented under the Protection, Wellbeing, and Empowerment for Waste Pickers (POWER) project. Its objectives include reducing occupational risks, enhancing access to healthcare, raising public awareness, and minimising the stigmatisation of informal waste workers both within and outside the state.

Lauritta Boniface, the executive director of EDF, bemoaned the fact that, despite their contributions to environmental sustainability, informal waste workers continue to operate in hazardous conditions and lack the necessary healthcare support to carry out their duties effectively.

Boniface, who made this comment during the capacity-building and empowerment exercise her organisation hosted on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Karu, elaborated. that Karu continues to experience increased waste generation and depends on informal waste workers for recycling and resource recovery due to its fast-growing nature and proximity to the nation’s capital.

She stated that to address this pathetic crisis, her organisation has enrolled the beneficiaries in an emergency healthcare scheme established in collaboration with a local healthcare provider to ensure timely medical support when required. 

According to her, in addition to the training programme and the provision of healthcare items, the project’s scope includes building partnerships with government agencies, healthcare providers, and civil society organisations. A documentary will also be produced to highlight the contributions, challenges, and experiences, as well as an online advocacy and awareness campaign to enhance public recognition of informal waste workers.

Mr. Abubakar Ishaq from the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority commended EDF for organising the event, which he said will help address poor waste handling and difficulties faced by waste pickers in the state.

Thus, Ishaq encouraged the beneficiaries to value the knowledge they learned and apply it for their personal safety, well-being, and the benefit of the state and nation as a whole.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with EnviroNews expressed their excitement, describing the event as transformative, particularly in terms of educating them about the dangers of inappropriate waste collection and how to handle it.

“I have learned better waste management practices and the importance of protecting my health and well-being while performing my duties,” Christiana Solomon, one of the recipients, noted.

The POWER project, which began in May and will end in September 2026, serves as a model for inclusive and sustainable waste management systems in Nigeria. It is being carried out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, African Environment Awareness Initiative, YOUPaD, and Ecostewards.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja