Training
Association conducts occupational safety training for waste pickers in Lagos .
Training
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, Dec. 18, 2025 (NAN) The Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) Thursday, held a Train-the-Trainer programme on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to promote safety among waste pickers in Lagos State.
Speaking during the training , President of ASWOL, Mr Friday Oku, said that the programme is aimed at equipping members with knowledge on health risks associated with waste picking, as well as measures to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
Oku said that waste pickers were constantly exposed to hazardous materials and harmful chemicals, which necessitates the safety education, on the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“We are here for a train-the-trainer programme on occupational health and safety; the objective is to train our people to understand the health and safety implications of the work we do as waste pickers.
“We come in contact with hazardous and harmful chemicals daily, and it is important that our members know the risks and how to protect themselves,” he said.
He hinted that the association is also intensifying efforts to expand its membership base, by registering waste pickers across local governments in the state to ensure wider access to training and welfare programmes.
“We are going from one local government to another to register our members, and the registration is free; Only those who want an identity card pay a small token,” he said.
Oku noted that the training is important to help bridge the safety and health gap within the sector, particularly in addressing poor compliance with PPE usage among waste pickers.
“Many of our members do not know how to use PPE properly. Even when gloves, boots or overalls are provided, some people do not use them.
“This programme is helping them understand that using PPE is compulsory for their safety, he said.
Oku, consequently, urged government to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of safety standards in waste management, adding that regulatory support will encourage better compliance among workers.
He also appealed for increased private sector support, saying that waste pickers often lack the financial capacity to purchase protective gear.
“Some of the PPE we are distributing today were donated by Coca-Cola, and we appreciate that support. We need more organisations, especially in the food and beverage sector, to support us,” he said.
He added that ASWOL which had earlier distributed boots and gloves to members in April, is now providing overalls, as part of ongoing efforts to promote safe working conditions for waste pickers in Lagos.
He expressed gratitude to its partners for making the training a success.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training had over 100 participants. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FBO/UNS
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Edited by Sandra Umeh