The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA has commenced a two-day capacity-building training for waste pickers, market women and youths on the safe collection and management of used cooking oil as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and the circular economy.
The training, done in collaboration with Ororo Waste Management, began on Thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Building in Alausa, Ikeja, with the aim to equip participants with practical knowledge on the proper collection, handling and disposal of used cooking oil.
A total of 23 youths, including Hausa and Yoruba-speaking participants, took part in the first day of the programme, underscoring the initiative’s inclusive approach to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across diverse communities.
Speaking during the training, the General Secretary of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, WAPAN, Alhaji Suleiman Adama, described the initiative as a landmark intervention capable of transforming waste management practices in Nigeria.
Addressing participants in both Hausa and English, Adama said the programme had introduced waste pickers to a new dimension of waste management beyond the traditional collection of plastics, cartons and metals.
He commended LASEPA and Ororo Waste Management for pioneering the initiative, noting that it was the first of its kind for members of the association.
According to him, the collection of used cooking oil will not only promote environmental sustainability and improve public health but also provide an additional source of income for waste pickers and unemployed youths.
Adama noted that although the initiative is still in its early stages, data generated from the programme would, over time, demonstrate its environmental impact through the volume of used cooking oil diverted from indiscriminate disposal.
He stressed the need for sustained public awareness campaigns to discourage the indiscriminate disposal and repeated use of degraded cooking oil, saying education across markets and communities would encourage greater participation.
He also disclosed that households and food vendors participating in the collection programme would receive incentives from Ororo Waste Management to encourage wider community involvement.
The WAPAN General Secretary further called for increased government support through the provision of operational equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), tricycles and other logistics to enhance the efficiency of waste pickers.
On their part, participants commended the Lagos State Government and Ororo Waste Management for the initiative.
One of them, Mr. Ishola Abdulateef Olamilekan said the training had exposed participants to the environmental and economic value of used cooking oil, adding that the knowledge gained would improve his business while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Another one, Yusuf Abdullahi from Katsina State said the programme had broadened his understanding of the proper collection and value of used cooking oil, while Nafiu Umaru from Kebbi State described the training as valuable in enhancing environmental sustainability and creating income-generating opportunities.
