Participants at the Aba workshop. Photo credit: FIWON.
Nigeria – December 2012
Update and photos from FIWON
The Second Organizing Meetings with Waste Pickers were held in seven target cities in Nigeria. The purpose of the meetings is to support waste pickers’ organizing so they can better represent and protect themselves and have a platform to relate with members of the public, the government, waste dealers and other end users in a more organized way. FIWON and WIEGO are serving as facilitators of this process.
Participants at the Aba Waste Pickers’ Workshop – Dec. 14, 2012. Photo credit: FIWON.
In Abuja (Federal Capital Territory), concerns discussed included criminalization by society. Participants discussed uniforms and the creation of a common association. In Port Harcourt, the focus was organizing and mobilizing for a training. In Aba, waste pickers focused on building a strong statewide organization.
Singing solidarity song at the Aba waste pickers’ workshop. Photo credit: FIWON.
In Akure, issues discussed included the marginalization, harassment and extortion of the waste pickers there, as well as the control of middlemen over them. In Ilorin, they raised concerns over harassment by police and government. The group even took a trip to the Ministry of the Environment to discuss this problem.
Waste pickers’ meeting in Ibadan, Jan. 22, 2013. Photo credit: FIWON.
In Ibadan, they also discussed stigmatization and harassment by security officers. They talked about the need to engage the waste management authority as well as other waste picker groups. Women stated concerns about how they are treated in the community. In Lagos, participants discussed the importance of direct communication with government officials and the possibility of receiving assistance for health training, protective clothing, and advocacy/negotiation.
Participants at the Aba Waste Pickers’ Workshop. Photo credits: FIWON.
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this post is so powerful and inspiring!! thanks nigerian group for doing so much!
Comment by lucia — February 18, 2013 @ 2:16 pm
Hi! What is the total number of waster pickers in Lagos
Comment by Ada — February 26, 2013 @ 11:27 am
Hi! We are working on getting an answer for you. Thanks for your patience.
Comment by deia — March 1, 2013 @ 3:47 pm
Federation of Informal Workers’ Organizations of Nigeria (FIWON) gives an estimate of at least 25,000 waste pickers in Lagos, Nigeria (discounting the dealers).
Comment by globalrec — March 22, 2013 @ 3:35 pm
Hi, i’m doing a thesis on waste picking and informal recovery practices in Ibadan. I would love to hear your opinion on the issue and of possible get some more information. Thank you, you guys are doing a great job.
Comment by Tomiwa — May 2, 2014 @ 4:00 am
Am waiting please. thank you in anticipation.
Comment by Henen Vivien — July 13, 2014 @ 5:41 am