Stakeholders at a public hearing organized by the Ogun State House of Assembly unanimously endorsed a bill aimed at regulating the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in the state. The bill, titled *HB. No.020/OG/2025 – Scavengers and Waste Dealers Regulation Law, 2025*, was described as a crucial step toward establishing a standardized framework to safeguard the livelihoods of legitimate waste vendors while curbing criminal activities facilitated by the lack of regulation.
The public hearing, held on Tuesday, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from waste recycling and supply associations, employers of waste dealers, and human rights organizations. Notable attendees included Comrade Olaleka Adebakin of the National Association of Scavengers and Waste Dealers Employers (NASWDEN, South West), Engr. Akinola Ambali, Mr. Kunle Adesanya, Yinka Folarin of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), and Mrs. Olufunke Salako, Zonal Director (South West) of the National Orientation Agency. Also present were Alhaji Waidi Adekunle of the Ogun Central Senatorial Community Development Committee and Barr. Najeem Yusuf, representing the Council of Seriki Hausa.
The stakeholders emphasized the need to harmonize the operations of various professionals in the waste management sector to ensure efficiency and accountability. They lauded the bill as a timely intervention to address the growing challenges posed by unregulated scavenging and waste-dealing activities, which increased incidents of theft, vandalism, unauthorized entry into private and public spaces, and illegal dumping of hazardous materials.
In his remarks, the sponsor of the bill, Hon. Babatunde Tella, alongside the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Samsideen Lawal, highlighted the bill’s potential to promote public order, environmental safety, and peaceful coexistence. They noted that the legislation, once passed and signed into law by Governor Dapo Abiodun, would significantly reduce insecurity and ensure a safer environment for residents.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Ola Oresanya pointed out that some provisions of the bill align with existing regulations under the Ogun State Waste Management Agency (OGWAMA). He suggested that the bill could either amend the OGWAMA law or be expanded into a more comprehensive waste management legislation.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, declared the forum open, emphasizing the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the needs of the people. He stated that the bill was introduced in response to the rapid increase in unregulated scavenging and waste dealing activities, which, waste-declining economic opportunities, have also led to insecurity, environmental hazards, and community conflicts.
“This bill is borne out of the need to foster public order, enhance environmental safety, and promote peaceful coexistence within our communities,” Elemide said. “By setting operational guidelines, registration requirements, and enforcement mechanisms, this bill seeks to ensure that waste management activities contribute positively to the development of our state rather than compromise security and public health.”
The Speaker assured stakeholders that their inputs would be meticulously considered to refine the bill and ensure it reflects the collective aspirations of the people. He reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to participatory governance and its dedication to creating a cleaner, safer, and more orderly Ogun State.
The bill has now moved to the next stage of legislative scrutiny, with stakeholders optimistic that its passage will bring much-needed regulation to the waste management sector in Ogun State.
