The Association of Scraps and Wastepickers of Lagos (ASWOL) has called for an independent investigation and compensation following the destruction of recyclable materials worth millions of naira during an enforcement operation in Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos.
The association said the operation, which also led to the detention of some waste pickers, wiped out the livelihoods of dozens of informal recyclers and dealt a significant blow to the state’s circular economy.
ASWOL President, Mr Friday Oku, made the demand in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, urging authorities to release those detained and hold accountable those responsible for the destruction of the recyclable materials.
Oku described the incident as both an economic and environmental loss, noting that the destroyed materials represented months of work involving collection, sorting and aggregation by informal waste pickers.
He emphasised that the informal recycling sector plays a vital role in Lagos’ waste management system by recovering plastics, metals, paper and glass that would otherwise end up in landfills, drainage channels and the environment.
According to him, waste pickers contribute significantly to environmental sanitation, job creation, resource conservation and climate change mitigation through their daily activities.
“The destruction and burning of recyclable materials worth millions of naira have not only plunged affected families into hardship but have also undermined efforts to promote recycling and environmental sustainability.
“Open burning of recyclable materials releases toxic pollutants and greenhouse gases that pose risks to public health and worsen environmental degradation,” he said.
Oku appealed to environmental organisations, climate advocates, human rights groups, development partners and the media to support ASWOL’s demand for justice.
He also urged the government to conduct a transparent investigation, compensate affected members, recognise informal waste pickers as legitimate stakeholders and strengthen collaboration with the sector.
The incident occurred amid the Lagos State Government’s ongoing environmental sanitation enforcement drive led by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps.
The state government has said the exercise is aimed at restoring environmental order, eliminating illegal waste disposal, clearing blocked drainage systems and enforcing compliance with environmental laws across the state.
The operation, which has lasted over two weeks, has involved the removal of illegal structures and facilities deemed to obstruct drainage channels or violate environmental regulations in several parts of Lagos.
However, ASWOL maintained that while it supports efforts to ensure a cleaner environment, legitimate recycling activities should not be criminalised or result in the destruction of valuable materials and livelihoods.
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The association called on the Lagos State Government to deepen engagement with informal waste pickers and integrate them into the state’s waste management framework, describing the sector as a critical driver of recycling and resource efficiency.
ASWOL reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government agencies, private sector actors and civil society organisations to promote a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos, stressing that environmental protection must go hand in hand with economic inclusion.
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