KANO (North-West, Nigeria) — The Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, has clamoured for a just transition and inclusion in policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Financial Inclusion system, Digital Repository, among others.
The Association’s Director of Communication, Aliyu Auwal who made the call in Kano, kicked against poor renumeration and discrimination against the waste pickers where they are called with vulgar language such Baban Bola.
Auwal demanded that the uptakers of the waste pay a fair price for waste at the downstream level
According to him, “One key challenge is the uptakers. We are essential contributors to the waste recovery value chain, often working in challenging conditions and risking our health to earn a livelihood. Despite our vital role, we frequently receive inadequate compensation for the waste we collect, and there are limited provisions in place to safeguard our health and well-being.
“We also calling for inclusion in policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility, EPR, Financial Inclusion system, among others.
“The waste pickers association of Nigeria are also trying their best to ensure that they find uptakers that will collect the waste in premium price from their members.
“We recently collaborate with Anthophila Limited in kano to empower women waste pickers to work from the comfort of their houses. And these women are empowered with in kind and in cash capital such as everyday items like noodles, species, spaghetti, soap and others. These women work from the comfort of their homes to earn a living. Promoting gender equality and Digital Transformation through the concept.
“Waste picking is one of the business that has the highest number of child labour. We are working on eliminating child labour among the waste picking activities.
“We have a strategy in place and blue print on that. We are currently in the initial stage of identifying children who are engaged in child labour and working to eliminate child labour among the waste picking activities.
“By reducing waste, I believe we are hugely contributing to climate change mitigation and creating jobs opportunities for our youths.
“The waste pickers are playing a very vital role that without them circular economy,” Auwal stated.
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