Waste Managers Threaten Service Withdrawal as Ogun State Owes Over N650 Million Debt

The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), Ogun State chapter, issued a warning yesterday, indicating that its members might cease their services in the state due to a staggering debt of over N650 million owed to them by the government.

Addressing reporters in Abeokuta alongside members of AWAMN, the state Chairman, Jolaoluwa Gbenga, highlighted the dire situation faced by waste management businesses. The outstanding debt, he revealed, had severely impacted the operations of members, crippling their ability to sustain their businesses. Additionally, waste dumpsites in various parts of the state were now rendered inaccessible due to deplorable conditions, while the cost of waste evacuation from homes, streets, and highways to these dumpsites had witnessed a significant and unsustainable increase.

Gbenga urged the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led government to urgently offset the debt arrears, emphasizing that failure to do so could jeopardize over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, as members might be forced to close their shops due to the lack of funds to continue essential waste management operations.

In response to the mounting concerns, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, assured that the government is fully aware of the predicament faced by waste management workers. He stated that steps are already being taken to expedite the payment process, providing reassurance that the workers will receive their dues in a matter of days.

The looming threat of service withdrawal by waste managers serves as a stark reminder of the critical role they play in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The resolution of the financial issues is crucial not only for the survival of waste management businesses but also for sustaining the cleanliness and sanitation efforts within Ogun State. The government’s commitment to prompt payment will be closely monitored by stakeholders and affected workers as they await a resolution to this pressing issue.