The Oyo State Government has held a strategic stakeholders meeting with waste management consultants operating across the state as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen waste management systems and reposition the state as a leader in environmental sustainability in Nigeria, particularly in the waste management sector.
The meeting held at the ministry conference hall on Tuesday provided a platform for engagement between government officials and the key waste management operators to address existing challenges and improve service delivery.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Ademola Aderinto reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to restoring Oyo State to its former glory as the PACESETTER for effective waste management and environmental protection.
The commissioner stated that the government remains determined to position Oyo State as the frontier of environmental sustainability in Nigeria within the remaining tenure of the current administration.
He stressed that the ministry shall continue to implement policies and initiatives aimed at improving sanitation and ensuring a cleaner environment for residents.
Engr. Aderinto explained that although the office of the commissioner possesses the authority to restructure the existing waste management system, he has deliberately chosen to maintain the current framework and personnel, provided their operations align with government policies and expectations.
According to him, since assuming office, no major changes have been made to the existing waste management structure, as the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has decided to give the consultants the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity, capability, and commitment to supporting the environmental agenda of the state.
The Commissioner, however, emphasized that the continuation of consultants’ engagements will be strictly based on performance evaluation, compliance with operational guidelines, and the quantum of complaints received from the public.
He added that the renewal of contracts, which would be due at the end of this month, will depend on measurable performance indicators and the number of unresolved complaints against each consultant.
He further noted that all waste management activities must continue to be coordinated through the Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA) as stipulated by the Oyo State laws. OYOWMA will henceforth supervise the operations of the consultants and report directly to the Ministry.
He assured the consultants that the Oyo State Government remains committed to meeting its financial obligations, disclosing that payments owed for waste evacuation services from January 23 till date would be settled within 48 hours, while efforts are ongoing to resolve the backlog of payments for November and December.
At the close of the meeting, the chairman of OYOWMA, Hon. Adeniyi Akanbi, commended the Commissioner’s leadership model and his commitment to strengthening collaboration with waste management consultants and advancing environmental sustainability across Oyo State.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
