The Ogun State Chapter of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has issued a stark warning about an impending waste disposal crisis, citing mounting challenges that threaten the viability of waste management services across the state. The association highlighted that rising operational expenses, persistent payment delays, and what it considers unfavourable policies are placing significant pressure on operators and undermining the sustainability of waste evacuation activities.
Operators Face Severe Financial Strain
In a statement released by the state chairman, Jolaoluwa Emmanuel Gbenga, AWAMN said the challenges facing waste management operators have been exacerbated by certain policies and administrative actions of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA). The association noted that these measures have placed many operators under severe financial strain, forcing some to shut down their businesses entirely.
AWAMN also expressed serious concern over recurring delays in the payment of approved waste management invoices. According to the association, when payments are eventually released, operators often receive only a fraction of the amounts owed—typically between 25 and 50 per cent. This situation has pushed many waste managers into debt, making it increasingly difficult for them to service equipment, pay staff salaries, purchase diesel, and maintain effective waste collection and disposal services.
Call for Immediate Policy Review
AWAMN called for an immediate review of the current payment system to ensure prompt and full settlement of approved invoices. The association stressed that the existing arrangement is unsustainable and poses a serious threat to effective waste management in the state. Additionally, the association criticised the existing 45 per cent deduction from industrial waste revenue, describing it as excessive and unjustifiable given prevailing economic realities and rising operational costs. According to the statement, this deduction places an unbearable burden on operators and undermines the viability of their businesses.
AWAMN urged the state government to review the deduction rate downward to a maximum of 20 per cent to reflect current economic conditions and enable operators to remain productive and financially sustainable. The association further lamented the astronomical increase in the cost of diesel, noting that this has significantly affected the ability of waste managers to effectively discharge their responsibilities, thereby threatening environmental sanitation across Ogun State.
Appeal for Government Intervention
To address these challenges, AWAMN appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to fulfil his earlier promise to facilitate the acquisition of waste compactors for waste managers in the state. The association noted that access to modern equipment would greatly enhance operational efficiency and improve waste evacuation services. AWAMN also requested the establishment of a Special Support Fund (SSF) to cushion the impact of rising diesel prices and other maintenance costs on operators.
While reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a clean, healthy, and environmentally sustainable Ogun State, AWAMN warned that failure to urgently address the challenges confronting the sector could lead to a major disruption in waste evacuation services, with far-reaching environmental and public health consequences. The association called on Governor Abiodun to intervene without delay by engaging relevant stakeholders, reviewing existing policies, and implementing practical measures to strengthen the waste management sector and safeguard the health and well-being of residents across the state.
