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Wastepickers seek justice over destruction of recyclables in Lagos – EnviroNews
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The Association of Scraps and Wastepickers of Lagos (ASWOL) has called for justice over the reported destruction and burning of recyclable materials belonging to its members in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
ASWOL President, Mr. Friday Oku, made the call in a statement made available on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Lagos.
Oku alleged that recyclable materials worth millions of naira were destroyed, depriving many informal waste pickers of their means of livelihood.
He said the burning also released harmful emissions that posed risks to public health and the environment.
According to him, the informal waste sector plays a critical role in reducing waste, promoting recycling, conserving natural resources and supporting the circular economy.
Oku said waste pickers recovered recyclable materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or pollute communities.
He described the incident as a setback to efforts aimed at addressing climate change and reducing environmental pollution.
“The burning of these recyclable materials not only inflicted severe economic hardship on our members but also undermined national and global efforts to combat climate change,” he said.
Oku added that open burning of recyclable waste released toxic pollutants and greenhouse gases that threatened public health and the environment.
He called on environmental organisations, climate advocates, human rights groups, development partners and the media to support the demand for justice and accountability.
Oku urged relevant government authorities to conduct an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the incident.
He also called for the prosecution of anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.
The ASWOL president urged government to compensate affected waste pickers for the destruction of their property and livelihoods.
He also called for the recognition and protection of informal waste pickers as legitimate environmental service providers.
Oku advocated policies that would strengthen collaboration between government agencies and the informal recycling sector rather than criminalise their activities.
“Environmental protection should never come at the expense of the livelihoods of those already making invaluable contributions to waste management and recycling,” he said.
Oku reaffirmed ASWOL’s commitment to working with government, the private sector and civil society to promote a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.
He urged stakeholders to support policies that protect livelihoods, uphold human dignity and advance environmental sustainability.
By Uchechi Afonne
