Stakeholders that attended the public hearing on a bill titled :HB. No.020/ OG/ 2025- Scavengers and Waste Dealers Regulation law, 2025", organised by the Ogun State House of Assembly have spoke in unison in favour of the bill, describing it as a veritable means of establishing a standardized framework that will not only safeguard the livelihoods of genuine waste vendors but also deter criminal elements who exploit the absence of regulations to perpetrate evils in the society.

The stakeholders including representatives of the different Associations in waste recycling and supply as well as waste dealers employers, Comrade Olaleka Adebakin ( NASWDEN, South West) and Engr. Akinola Ambali and Mr. Kunle Adesanya as well as Committee for the Defence of Human Rights ( CDHR) Yinka Folarin and Zonal Director, ( South West) National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Olufunke Salako.

Others were the representatives of the Ogun Central Senatorial Community Development Committee Alhaji Waidi Adekunle and that of Council of Seriki Hausa, Barr. Najeem Yusuf amongst others also sought for the harmonization of different professionals in the sector to streamline their operations.

In their remarks, the sponsor of the bill, Hon. Babatunde Tella and the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Samsideen Lawal noted that the bill which sought to regulate the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in the State, when operational would help promote public order, environmental safety and peaceful co-existence as well as reduce inseecurity and ensure a safe environment.

They added that the bill, upon its passage and assent by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, would help reduce incidents of theft, vandalism, unauthorized entry into private buildings and public spaces, and illegal dumping of hazardous materials.

In his contribution, the State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Ola Oresanya, said that some of the provisions of the bill were already embedded in the Ogun State Waste Management Agency ( OGWAMA) hence, the bill could either serve as an amendment to the OGWAMA law or be stepped down for a new bill that would be all encompassing on waste management.

Earlier while declaring the stakeholders forum open, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide said that the Assembly, being responsive to the needs and plight of the people, had introduced the Bill to establish a standardized framework that will not only safeguard the livelihoods of genuine practitioners but also deter criminal elements who exploit the absence of regulations to perpetrate evils in our society.

 According to him, the "Bill is borne out of the need to foster public order, enhance environmental safety and promote peaceful co-existence within our communities.

 Our dear Gateway State has witnessed a rapid increase in unregulated scavenging and waste dealing activities, which although, provides economic opportunities for many, has given rise to insecurity, environmental hazards, and serious conflicts in our communities. Reports of theft, vandalism, unauthorized entry into private and public spaces, and illegal dumping of hazardous materials have continued to mount.

This Assembly, being responsive to the needs and plight of the people, has introduced this Bill to establish a standardized framework that will not only safeguard the livelihoods of genuine practitioners but also deter criminal elements who exploit the absence of regulations to perpetrate evils in our society. 

Therefore, by setting operational guidelines, registration requirements and enforcement mechanisms, this Bill seek to ensure that waste management activities contribute positively to the development of our dear State rather than compromise security and public health.

As a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to participatory governance, this House has consistently prioritized the views and input of the people through stakeholders' engagements of this nature. 

We strongly believe that laws must be people-centered, reflecting the collective aspirations and concerns of our citizens. 

Today’s forum, therefore, offers a valuable opportunity for you to share insights that will help refine this legislation to achieve its intended goals in our society.

I want to assure you that every submission made here today will be meticulously considered towards ensuring that the final draft of the Bill takes care of the interests of stakeholders. 

As we deliberate, let us remain focused on our shared vision of a cleaner, safer, and more orderly Ogun State", he submitted.