Ogun State Lawmakers Move to Regulate Scavengers and Waste Dealers
A bill seeking to regulate the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in Ogun State has scaled second reading on the floor of the Assembly. The proposed legislation, titled “H.B. No. 020/ OG/ 2025 – Scavengers and Waste Dealers Regulation Law, 2025,” aims to promote public order, environmental safety, and peaceful co-existence in the state.
Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Tella, the sponsor of the bill, opened the debate on the proposed legislation, highlighting the growing concerns regarding the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in the state. He noted that the bill became imperative due to the security concerns generated by the activities of scavengers in recent times.
According to Hon. Tella, the proposed law would regulate scavenging activities to specific hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and prohibit operations on Sundays. This, he believes, would promote public order and ensure that scavenging activities do not disrupt the peaceful co-existence of residents in the state.
The proposed legislation would also empower communities to restrict scavenger operations in their areas, ensuring that transactions occur outside restricted zones. Furthermore, the bill would promote accountability by mandating the registration of all scavengers with the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with law enforcement and community leaders.
The lawmakers extensively debated the desirability of the bill, with all members supporting the proposed legislation. Hon. Samsideen Lawal seconded the motion for the bill’s second reading.
The passage of the bill is expected to address the environmental and security challenges posed by the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in Ogun State. The proposed legislation would ensure that scavenging activities are carried out in a regulated and environmentally friendly manner.
The Ogun State House of Assembly is expected to continue deliberations on the bill, with the aim of passing it into law to promote public order, environmental safety, and peaceful co-existence in the state.
