The Association of Scraps and Wastepickers of Lagos (ASWOL) strongly condemns the reported destruction and burning of recyclable materials belonging to our members at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State.
This unfortunate action has resulted in the loss of property worth millions of naira, destroyed the livelihoods of hardworking informal waste pickers, and released harmful emissions into the environment.
The informal waste sector plays a vital role in reducing waste, promoting recycling, conserving natural resources, and supporting the circular economy. Our members contribute significantly to environmental protection by recovering recyclable materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or pollute our communities.
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 and reduce environmental pollution.
Open burning of recyclable waste releases toxic pollutants and greenhouse gases that threaten public health and the environment.
ASWOL calls on all environmental organizations, climate advocates, human rights organizations, development partners, the media, and all lovers of the environment to stand with us in demanding justice and accountability.
We respectfully call on the relevant government authorities to:
Conduct an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the incident.
Hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the law.
Provide fair compensation to affected waste pickers for the destruction of their property and livelihoods.
Recognize and protect the rights of informal waste pickers as legitimate environmental service providers.
Establish clear policies that promote collaboration between government agencies and the informal recycling sector rather than criminalizing or destroying their means of livelihood.
ASWOL remains committed to working with government institutions, private sector partners, and civil society to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos. We believe that environmental protection should never come at the expense of the livelihoods of those who are already making invaluable contributions to waste management and recycling.
We urge all stakeholders to join us in condemning this injustice and advocating for policies that respect human dignity, protect livelihoods, and promote environmental sustainability.
Justice for Waste Pickers is Justice for the Environment.
Signed
Friday Oku
President
Association of Scraps and Wastepickers of Lagos (ASWOL)
Lagos, Nigeria
Thanks
✊ NO WASTEPICKERS ✊ NO RECYCLING AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY SUSTAINABILITY ✊
