The federal government has said it is committed to enhancing waste pickers otherwise called babanbola or omo gbonla in Nigeria by formalising the framework of their operation in the informal economy in a more inclusive way to boost waste management for economic development and job creation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, stated this in his remarks during the presentation of the research report on the Waste Pickers Economy in Nigeria tagged ““Formalising the Informal Waste Picker Economy for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
The workshop was organized by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in collaboration with renowned agency -INCLUDE in Abuja on Thursday, to give the waste pickers a sense of belonging to enhance social protection, promote decent work, and address environmental challenges facing them through informed policy direction.
The minister, who was represented by  Ambassador Akinremi Alade Bolaji, director Economy, Trade & Investment in the ministry, emphasized the importance of the research in highlighting the contributions of waste pickers, adding that it has broader implications for Nigeria’s national and international development goals.
He commended the IPCR for the research saying “the findings from this research are timely and significant, particularly as we continue to pursue policies that foster inclusive economic growth, social harmony, and environmental sustainability.
“Waste pickers, often working in informal and precarious conditions, are a crucial part of Nigeria’s waste management ecosystem. They contribute to the recycling industry, reduce the burden on landfills, and generate livelihoods for millions of individuals. Yet, despite the value they provide to our society, their work is frequently marginalised, and their contributions go largely unrecognised.
“This report helps to fill that gap and provides an opportunity for all of us—government, civil society, and the private sector—to better understand the challenges and opportunities within this sector,” he said.
He said further that “this research presents a unique opportunity to engage with our international partners, NGOs, and multilateral organizations to create global dialogue and exchange best practices in waste management, workers’ rights, and economic inclusion.”
Director general of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu in his remarks said the workshop is an important step toward understanding and addressing the challenges faced by one of the most overlooked yet crucial groups in the society—the informal waste pickers.
“These individuals play a crucial role in bridging the recycling gap, contributing an impressive 59.3 per cent of waste collection and management across the country, while formal systems account for just 4.7 per cent. Their efforts not only help reduce environmental waste but also support the circular economy, generating jobs and economic opportunities at multiple levels,” the IPCR boss said.
He lamented that despite these vital contributions, waste pickers remain some of the most marginalized, stigmatized, and criminalized members of our society. He added that waste pickers are not mere collectors but enablers of a recycling system that supports industries and reduces pressure on landfills, thereby adding tremendous value to both our economy and environment.
“Beyond their economic and environmental contributions, this research enhances our understanding of informal economies. It documents the lived experiences of waste pickers and provides a framework for integrating them into formal systems. By doing so, we can improve their dignity, safety, and livelihoods while aligning their work with Nigeria’s broader sustainability and development goals,” he added.
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