The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in partnership with Ororo Waste Management, has launched a two-day capacity-building programme aimed at training waste pickers, market women and youths on the safe collection and management of used cooking oil.

The initiative, which commenced recently at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Building in Alausa, Ikeja, forms part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability while advancing the circular economy across Lagos State.

The training is designed to provide participants with practical skills in the proper handling, collection and disposal of used cooking oil. In addition to improving environmental practices, the programme is expected to create new income-generating opportunities for participants.

On the opening day, no fewer than 23 youths participated in the exercise, including Hausa and Yoruba-speaking attendees, highlighting the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainable economic empowerment across diverse communities.

Addressing participants, the General Secretary of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), Alhaji Suleiman Adama, described the initiative as a significant development for Nigeria’s waste management sector, saying it would transform the role of waste pickers in supporting environmental sustainability.

Delivering his remarks in both Hausa and English, Adama explained that WAPAN serves as the national umbrella body for waste pickers, overseeing member organisation, welfare protection and the promotion of environmentally responsible waste management practices.

He noted that the collaboration between LASEPA and Ororo Waste Management broadens the scope of waste picking beyond traditional recyclable materials such as plastics, cartons and metals by incorporating the collection of used cooking oil.

According to him, “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.”

Adama further stated that although the project remains in its early phase, data collected during implementation would eventually demonstrate its environmental value by tracking the volume of used cooking oil recovered instead of being improperly discarded.

He also stressed the importance of sustained public awareness campaigns to discourage both the indiscriminate disposal and repeated use of degraded cooking oil. According to him, educating households, food vendors and local communities about the associated health risks would encourage wider participation in the programme.

The WAPAN official disclosed that households and food vendors who participate in the used cooking oil collection initiative would receive incentives from Ororo Waste Management, noting that the reward system is expected to increase public involvement.

He further appealed to government authorities to provide additional operational support for waste pickers involved in the programme, including personal protective equipment (PPE), tricycles and other logistics to improve efficiency.

Participants commended the Lagos State Government and Ororo Waste Management for organising the training, describing the initiative as both timely and impactful.

One of the participants, Mr. Ishola Abdulateef Olamilekan, said the programme had enhanced his understanding of the economic and environmental benefits associated with used cooking oil collection, adding that the knowledge gained would strengthen his business while contributing to a cleaner environment.

Other participants, Yusuf Abdullahi from Katsina State and Nafiu Umaru from Kebbi State, also expressed appreciation to the organisers, saying the training had expanded their understanding of the value of used cooking oil collection as a tool for promoting environmental sustainability and creating economic opportunities.

Source:This Day