Neglecting Workers’ Welfare Undermines Climate Change Efforts – ILO

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), through its “Just Transition and Green Jobs” project in Nigeria, has raised concerns about how poor working conditions in the waste management sector are hindering the country’s transition to green jobs, which are essential in the fight against climate change.

A recent ILO-backed study revealed alarming deficiencies in decency metrics for waste workers in Nigeria. These issues include a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), inadequate health insurance, insufficient welfare laws, workers’ rights violations, and the absence of formal employment arrangements.

Speaking at a validation workshop in Lagos, Stephen Agugua, National Project Director for Just Transition and Green Jobs, highlighted that the study, conducted across Abia, Kano, and Lagos States, was aimed at improving the working conditions of waste pickers. He emphasized that these workers are key to unlocking the potential of the waste management sector in combating climate change.

“The essence of the research was to provide informed data that will guide our interventions in the waste management sector,” Agugua stated.

Findings and Recommendations

According to Dr. Ikenna Uzonu, the research consultant, the study identified specific gaps in Kano State, where waste management is governed by outdated legislation from 2003. After inspecting two of the three government-approved waste disposal sites, the group recommended a review of the law to address issues like medical waste management, organic waste combustion, and waste-to-energy initiatives.

Agugua noted that Kano’s waste management authorities were aware of the challenges and were actively working on improvements. “The director told us that these issues are being taken seriously, and that should be commended,” he said.

In contrast, the study found that Lagos State’s waste management, overseen by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in collaboration with the private sector, involves over 10,000 waste pickers, often referred to as “urban miners.” Unlike Kano, Lagos residents and businesses are required to pay for waste disposal services.

However, the report also uncovered instances of child labor in Lagos, a practice condemned by the research team. “The entire United Nations frowns upon child labor. It’s unacceptable,” Uzonu stressed, referencing the legal definition of a child as anyone under 18 years old.

The study also examined gender disparities in the sector, revealing that women are underrepresented, particularly in Abia State, where no women were found working in waste management. In Kano, women were involved in sorting waste materials, but they faced financial barriers to full participation in the sector.

Working Conditions and Barriers to Women’s Participation

A significant issue noted by the research is the poor working conditions at dump sites, which have discouraged women from participating in the sector. “We are yet to see a dump site that meets standard environmental conditions,” Agugua remarked. He explained that the harsh environment is particularly challenging for women, who are often deterred by the poor facilities.

The report also found that while awareness of PPE usage was high, actual utilization remained low due to factors such as discomfort in the hot climate and financial constraints. “PPEs are not well-suited to our climate, and many workers can’t afford even basic protective gear like boots, overalls, and gloves,” Agugua said.

In addition to these concerns, the study revealed that health insurance coverage for waste workers is virtually nonexistent. In Kano, female street sweepers reported having no insurance or formal employment contracts, leaving them vulnerable to sudden job termination without recourse. “If you’re not properly employed, you have no legal protection. This is a serious concern,” Agugua noted.

Path Forward

The ILO’s research emphasizes the need for the formalization of waste workers’ employment to improve job security, safety, and overall decency in the sector. These improvements are not only vital for the well-being of the workers but also crucial for ensuring the waste management sector can play its full role in Nigeria’s climate change mitigation efforts.