Policy Brief on Inclusive Waste Governance in Nigeria

Nigeria's urban waste management operates as a hybrid of formal and informal economies. At the heart of this system are informal waste workers, who handle most of the last-mile collection, sorting, and recovery of recyclable materials, often filling the gaps left by overstretched municipal services.

Despite their vital role, informal waste workers are often overlooked, excluded from key decisions, and left without the protection or recognition they deserve.

This policy brief argues that Nigeria's shift to a circular economy requires formally recognizing, protecting, and partnering with informal waste workers. Inclusive waste governance is the most practical path to increased collection efficiency, higher recycling rates, reduced pollution, and improved livelihoods.

The document calls on both federal and state governments to legally recognize informal waste workers as environmental service providers. It advocates for their integration into waste collection and recycling systems through measures such as registration, protection from harassment, inclusive service contracts, health and safety support, and infrastructure funded by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).