How Orile-Agege’s N12m Waste Support Scheme Can Improve Cleanliness, Jobs, and Public Health in Lagos
The Executive Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Idowu Abiodun
Poor waste disposal remains one of the biggest challenges facing many communities in Lagos, affecting public health, drainage systems, and the overall environment. In a practical move to improve sanitation, the Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has disbursed N12 million in interest-free loans to private waste operators to strengthen waste collection services in the area.
This initiative is not just about cleaner streets—it also offers lessons for other communities on how proper waste management can protect health, create jobs, and turn waste into economic value.
Orile-Agege Gives N12m Support to Waste Operators
The Executive Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Idowu Abiodun, announced that six Private Sector Participants (PSPs) received N2 million each, bringing the total support package to N12 million.
The loans are interest-free and are expected to be repaid over 12 months after a one-month grace period.
According to the chairman, the support is designed to help operators:
improve waste collection efficiency
maintain their trucks and equipment
serve residents better
keep the environment cleaner
reduce health risks linked to poor sanitation
This is a major step that shows how local governments can support private waste managers while improving environmental sustainability.
Why This Matters to Residents
For residents, better waste collection means:
cleaner streets and markets
fewer blocked drainage channels
lower risk of flooding during heavy rains
reduced spread of diseases
a healthier environment for families and children
The council also introduced monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure operators carry out their duties and residents pay for services received.
This is important because delayed payments often make it difficult for waste operators to function effectively.
Waste Should Be Seen as a Resource
The National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, Olubenga Adebola, emphasized the bigger lesson behind the initiative.
“Waste is not waste unless you waste it.”
This powerful statement highlights the growing importance of recycling, waste-to-wealth, and circular economy solutions.
Modern waste management now allows plastic, organic waste, and other refuse materials to be converted into:
raw materials for industries
recycled products
compost for farming
renewable energy sources
business opportunities for youths
This mindset shift can open doors for entrepreneurs and help reduce unemployment.
A Model Other Communities Can Learn From
The Orile-Agege programme shows that solving sanitation problems requires government support, private sector involvement, and resident cooperation.
Other local councils in Nigeria can learn from this by investing in waste systems, supporting operators financially, and educating residents on the benefits of proper disposal.
The Orile-Agege N12m waste collection support scheme is more than a sanitation project—it is a smart investment in public health, environmental cleanliness, and economic opportunity. If properly sustained, it can improve quality of life for residents and serve as a model for other communities across Lagos and Nigeria.
