The ongoing Ogun waste vendors protest has brought to light serious allegations of extortion and unfair practices within the state’s waste management sector. Members of the Association of Waste Management Vendors and Recyclers of Nigeria (AWMVRN), Ogun State chapter, have taken to the streets of Abeokuta, demanding the immediate removal of Mr. Abayomi Hunye, the General Manager of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA). This significant development underscores a growing tension between government regulatory bodies and long-standing local businesses crucial to waste collection and recycling efforts across the state.
For decades, these vendors have operated under a clear regulatory framework, obtaining annual licenses from the government. However, the association’s president, Mrs. Opeoluwa Balogun, claims that under Mr. Hunye’s leadership, the annual license fee has quadrupled from ₦50,000 to an unbearable ₦200,000. This drastic increase, coupled with what vendors describe as “levy upon levy,” has crippled their operations and threatened their livelihoods.
What are the primary reasons for the Ogun waste vendors protest? The Ogun waste vendors protest primarily stems from allegations of persistent extortion, arbitrary increases in licensing fees, and the alleged favoritism shown towards new, external operators by the OGWAMA General Manager, Mr. Abayomi Hunye, undermining established local businesses.
Further deepening the crisis, Balogun alleges that Mr. Hunye has openly declared the scrap business is no longer for seasoned operators but is now reserved for political affiliates. Vendors complain of being forced to pay license fees months ahead of schedule without receiving proper tax receipts, a clear deviation from established practice. This has led to many compliant vendors being denied access to scrap materials, pushing some into significant debt.
Addressing the aggrieved vendors, the Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Toyin Taiwo, appealed for calm. He assured them that the state government would thoroughly investigate their grievances and urged them to follow due process, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order during this period of unrest and scrutiny over Ogun waste management latest news.
In a robust defense, Mr. Hunye vehemently denied all allegations, asserting that the protest is a backlash against his insistence on due process and compliance with existing laws. He refuted claims of formal engagement from the association regarding these issues, stating that their last interaction was during agency-organized workshops, focusing on improving the best practices for waste recycling in Nigeria.
He clarified that the state government has the prerogative to review licensing fees, noting that the fee was last adjusted in 2024, increasing from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 after more than five years, aligning with state revenue targets. Hunye questioned the timing of the complaints, highlighting that vendors paid for 2024 and 2025 without prior objections, suggesting ulterior motives behind the current outcry.
The OGWAMA boss further alleged that the protest is a direct consequence of his crackdown on a cartel within the association. He explained that multiple petitions from vendors unable to access scrap materials despite payments led to an investigation, revealing that some individuals had registered three, four, or even five companies under OGWAMA. These multiple registrations allowed them to monopolize scrap access, disadvantaging operators with only one legitimate registration.
Mr. Hunye maintained his firm stance against such practices, asserting that the law permits only one company per person. He confirmed that an official involved in facilitating these multi-company registrations was removed, and he had resisted attempts to allow the continuation of this unfair system. His commitment to upholding the law, he believes, is the true catalyst for the current Ogun waste vendors protest and the demands for his removal.
The situation remains tense, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. As the state government promises intervention, the resolution of this conflict will be crucial for the future of waste management in Ogun State, impacting numerous livelihoods and the efficiency of recycling operations.
The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly influence future policies regarding licensing, regulation, and the overall structure of waste collection and recycling, setting a precedent for how to address waste management issues in Nigeria.
