OGUN STATE SCAVENGERS AND WASTE DEALERS REGULATION BILL, 2025

 

A Law to regulate the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in Ogun State to promote public order, environmental safety, and peaceful coexistence, and for related matters.

Sponsored by:

Hon. Dr. Babatunde Opeolu Tella

Co-Sponsors:

Hon Lawal Samsideen

Hon. Lukman Olaleye

Hon. Wahab Abiodun

Hon. Bisi Oyedele

Hon Waliu Owode

Hon. Rasheed Kashamu

ENACTED by the Ogun State House of Assembly as follows:

PART I – PRELIMINARY

1. Short Title and Citation

This Law may be cited as the Scavengers and Waste Dealers Regulation Law, 2025.

2. Commencement

This Law shall come into effect on a date to be appointed by the Governor through a public notice.

3. Interpretation

In this Law:

"Scavengers" means individuals or groups engaged in the collection of scrap materials such as aluminum cans, steel pipes and fittings, copper wires, old plastic containers and packaging materials, plastic bags and wraps, corrugated cardboard boxes, scrap glass from construction sites, old glass windows and doors, old computers and laptops, scrap electronic components,old clothing and fabric scraps, old pallets and crates, old furniture and bedding,carpet and upholstery, corrugated iron sheets,scraps,television and monitors,ceramic and porcelain scraps,batteries,recyclable items, or waste for the purpose of trade.

"Waste Dealers" refers to individuals or entities involved in the buying, selling, or processing of recyclable waste materials.

"Community Task Forces" means local committees established by community leaders to oversee and enforce community-specific regulations.

"Ministry" refers to the Ogun State Ministry of Environment.

"NASWDEN" means the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employees of Nigeria.

PART II – REGULATION OF ACTIVITIES

4. Regulated Operating Hours

(1) Scavengers shall only operate between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily, except on Sunday when they are not expected to work. 

(2) Any person found operating outside these hours commits an offence and shall be liable to the penalties stipulated in this Law.

5. Community Autonomy on Restrictions

(1) Communities shall have the right to enforce a "No Scavenger Operation" policy within their jurisdictions.

(2) Residents in such communities may sell recyclable or waste items only outside the restricted zones.

6. Mandatory Registration and Identification

(1) All scavengers and waste dealers must register with the Ministry of Environment . 

(2) Registration shall involve issuing identification uniforms,tags/cards, which must be displayed at all times during operations.

(3) The registration process shall include verification by the Traditional Rulers and the Serikis Hausa in the respective zones.

7. Prohibition of Sunday Operations

Scavengers and waste dealers are prohibited from engaging in any form of operation on Sundays.

8. Collaboration with Community Task Forces

(1) Scavengers shall cooperate with community task forces while operating within any community.

(2) Any breach of this provision shall be reported to the appropriate authorities for action.

PART III – ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES

9. Prevention of Jungle Justice

(1) Enforcement of this Law shall be carried out lawfully and without recourse to jungle justice.

(2) Any community or individual found engaging in jungle justice shall be prosecuted under relevant laws.

10. Penalties for Violations

(1) Any scavenger or waste dealer who operates outside regulated hours or violates any provision of this Law shall be liable to:

(a) A fine not exceeding ₦100,000 for the first offence.

(b) Suspension of operations for a period determined by the Ministry for repeated violations.

(2) Communities failing to enforce lawful measures shall face administrative penalties as determined by the Ministry.

PART IV – ADMINISTRATION AND MONITORING

11. Responsibilities of the Ministry

(1) The Ministry of Environment shall develop comprehensive guidelines for monitoring compliance with this Law within 60 days of its enactment.

(2) The Ministry shall collaborate with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and NASWDEN for effective implementation.

12. Establishment of Monitoring Committees

(1) The Ministry shall establish monitoring committees to oversee the activities of scavengers and waste dealers across the State.

(2) These committees shall submit quarterly reports to the House of Assembly on compliance and challenges.

PART V – MISCELLANEOUS

13. Community Sensitization

The Ministry, in collaboration with NASWDEN and traditional rulers, shall conduct awareness campaigns to educate residents and scavengers on the provisions of this Law.

14. Repeal and Savings

(1) Any existing law or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Law is hereby repealed.

(2) Notwithstanding the repeal, any action taken under such laws before the commencement of this Law shall remain valid.

15. Citation

This Law shall be known as the Scavengers and Waste Dealers Regulation Law, 2025.

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

This Law seeks to regulate the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in Ogun State, ensuring public order, environmental safety, and harmonious coexistence among residents and waste management stakeholders. It also provides mechanisms for enforcement and penalties for non-compliance.