The association attributed the situation to delayed payments, rising operational costs, and policies it described as unfavorable to waste management operators across Ogun State.
Speaking on behalf of the association on Sunday in Abeokuta, the State Chairman, Pastor Jolaoluwa Emmanuel Gbenga, said many operators are struggling to remain in business due to financial pressures that have worsened in recent months.
According to him, the persistent delay in the payment of approved waste management bills has placed operators under severe strain.
“The association expressed deep concern over the persistent delay in the payment of approved waste management bills. According to AWAMN, even when payments are eventually made, operators often receive only 25 per cent, 30 per cent, or at best, 50 per cent of the amounts due to them”he said.
Pastor Gbenga noted that the situation has forced many waste managers into debt, making it difficult to maintain equipment, pay workers’ salaries, purchase diesel, and meet other operational obligations.
“The current payment system to ensure the prompt and full settlement of approved invoices, stressing that the existing arrangement is unsustainable and poses a serious threat to effective waste management in the state.
The association also expressed dissatisfaction with the 45 percent deduction imposed on industrial waste revenue, describing it as excessive and detrimental to the survival of operators.
“ The association also criticised the existing 45 per cent deduction from industrial waste revenue, describing it as excessive and unjustifiable in the face of prevailing economic realities and rising operational costs,” Pastor Gbenga stated.
AWAMN further highlighted the impact of rising diesel costs on waste evacuation activities across the state.
“The astronomical increase in diesel prices has further compounded our challenges. Waste collection and transportation rely heavily on fuel, and the rising costs are making it increasingly difficult for operators to discharge their responsibilities effectively,” he said.
The association called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to fulfill an earlier commitment to facilitate the acquisition of waste compactors for operators, stressing that access to modern equipment would significantly improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
“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, noting that access to modern equipment would greatly enhance operational efficiency and improve waste evacuation services,” the chairman said.
AWAMN also urged the state government to establish a Special Support Fund (SSF) to assist operators in coping with escalating diesel prices and maintenance costs.
According to the association, such support would help prevent disruptions in waste management services and ensure continued environmental sanitation.
Despite the challenges, Pastor Gbenga reaffirmed the commitment of waste managers to maintaining a clean and healthy environment across Ogun State.
The association therefore called on Governor Abiodun to urgently engage stakeholders, review existing policies, and implement practical solutions capable of strengthening the waste management sector and safeguarding the well-being of residents throughout Ogun State.
