Lagos Trains Waste Pickers, Youths on Used Cooking Oil Collection to Boost Circular Economy

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in partnership with Ororo Waste Management, has launched a two-day capacity-building program focused on the safe collection and management of used cooking oil. This initiative targets waste pickers, market women, and youths, aiming to foster environmental sustainability and strengthen the circular economy within the state.

The training, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Building in Alausa, Ikeja, equips participants with practical skills for handling, collecting, and disposing of used cooking oil. It also seeks to generate new income streams for them. The first day saw participation from over 23 youths, including Hausa and Yoruba speakers, highlighting the program's inclusive approach to empowering diverse communities with sustainable livelihoods.

Alhaji Suleiman Adama, General Secretary of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), lauded the initiative as a significant advancement for Nigeria's waste management sector. He explained that WAPAN, the national umbrella body for waste pickers, is organizing members and promoting responsible waste management. Adama noted that the collaboration with LASEPA and Ororo Waste Management broadens the scope of waste picking to include used cooking oil, in addition to conventional recyclables like plastics and metals.

"This initiative, the first of its kind for our members, will not only reduce the indiscriminate disposal of used cooking oil and improve public health but also provide an additional income source for waste pickers and unemployed youths," Adama stated. He emphasized the need for ongoing public awareness campaigns to educate households and food vendors about the health risks associated with improper disposal and reuse of degraded cooking oil, encouraging greater participation. Ororo Waste Management will offer incentives to households and food vendors who join the collection program, further motivating public involvement.

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The initiative, the first of its kind for members of the association, would not only reduce indiscriminate disposal of used cooking oil and improve public health but also provide an additional source of income for waste pickers and unemployed youths.