Informal waste pickers in Lagos have called for official recognition and inclusion in Nigeria’s waste management system, as they joined global celebrations marking Workers’ Day on May 1, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Association of Scraps and Wastepickers of Lagos State (ASWOL) said its members play a critical role in recycling and environmental sustainability but continue to face difficult working conditions.

“Every day, thousands of waste pickers work tirelessly across communities, recovering recyclable materials, reducing environmental pollution, and contributing significantly to the circular economy,” the statement read.

Despite this, the group said its members often deal with stigma, low income, and a lack of social protection.

They also highlighted limited access to healthcare and safety support, warning that their contribution to Nigeria’s environmental goals remains undervalued.

Why It Matters

Waste pickers form a key part of Nigeria’s informal economy, especially in major cities like Lagos where waste management remains a growing challenge.

Experts say integrating informal workers into formal systems could improve recycling rates, reduce landfill waste, and create more sustainable urban environments.

Without such inclusion, the burden of waste management continues to fall on a largely unregulated workforce.

Call for Policy Inclusion

The group is urging government agencies, private companies, and the public to formally recognise waste picking as legitimate work.

They are also calling for policies that ensure fair pay, access to healthcare, and provision of safety equipment.

“We urge for inclusive policies that integrate waste pickers into formal waste management systems, ensure fair compensation, and provide access to healthcare, safety equipment, and financial support,” the statement added.

Voices from the Sector

Speaking on behalf of the group, ASWOL President, Comrade Friday Oku, emphasised the importance of their work to environmental sustainability.

“There can be no true sustainability without waste pickers,” he said.

“Our work keeps cities cleaner, reduces landfill pressure, and supports livelihoods. It is time our voices are heard, our dignity respected, and our contributions valued.”

Industry and Public Perspective

Environmental advocates have long argued that waste pickers are essential to achieving circular economy goals in developing countries.

Some stakeholders in the private sector have begun exploring partnerships with informal waste collectors, but large-scale policy integration remains limited.

What’s Next

The call comes amid increasing global focus on sustainable waste management and climate action.

Observers say the next step will depend on whether policymakers are willing to formalise and support the sector through legislation and funding.

The Nigeria Customs Service says it has seized cannabis valued at ₦18.9 billion at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, marking one of the largest drug interceptions at the facility in recent years.

Officials said the shipment, which originated from Canada, was concealed inside a container falsely declared as used vehicles.

How the drugs were discovered

At a press briefing on 30 April 2026, the Tin Can Island Port Area Controller, Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, said intelligence-led operations triggered a full inspection of the container.

“Following credible intelligence and sustained inter-agency cooperation… the container… was discovered to contain 185 jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica,” he said.

The drugs, hidden alongside two vehicles, a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado were found to contain:

9,458 packages of cannabis

Total weight: 4,729kg

Estimated street value: ₦18.916 billion

Why it matters

The seizure highlights Nigeria’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking through its ports, a key entry route for illicit substances.

Authorities say such operations protect public health, reduce crime, and safeguard the economy from illegal trade networks.

It also underscores increasing attempts by traffickers to exploit global shipping routes and misdeclare cargo.

Growing pattern of seizures

The Tin Can Command has recorded a series of major drug interceptions:

March 2025: ₦8.05bn worth of illicit drugs seized

October 2025: Cannabis and methamphetamine worth ₦5.3bn intercepted

January 2026: Cannabis worth ₦4.7

February 2026: Expired pharmaceuticals intercepted

These figures point to a sustained enforcement push at one of Nigeria’s busiest ports.

Inter-agency collaboration

The operation was carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Customs officials say a new agreement signed on 27 April 2026 between NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa and Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is already delivering results.

The agreement includes:

Intelligence sharing

Joint operations

Coordinated enforcement strategies

“This framework is yielding tangible results,” Mr Onyeka said.

Official handover and warnings

The seized drugs were handed over to NDLEA’s Tin Can commander, Solomon Gbadebo Omotosho.

Mr Onyeka warned smugglers:

“We are fully prepared and determined to detect, intercept, and prosecute all forms of illegal activities.”

He added that Customs would continue deploying intelligence-driven strategies to combat smuggling.

NDLEA reaction

Receiving the drugs, Mr Omotosho attributed the success to strong leadership and cooperation between agencies.

He also pointed to international factors:

“Some of these illicit drugs come from countries with more liberal drug laws… higher than what Nigeria permits.”

What’s next

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, although no arrests have been made in the latest case.

Customs officials note that suspects often flee once they suspect surveillance, making prosecutions more challenging.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) has reported a profit before tax of ₦302.9 billion for the first quarter of 2026, driven by growth in interest income, fees, and customer deposits.

The unaudited results, released on 30 April, show continued resilience in Nigeria’s banking sector despite broader economic challenges.

Strong Earnings Driven by Core Banking

The group recorded a 17.5% increase in interest income and a 7.1% rise in fee income year-on-year.

Its loan book grew modestly by 1.3% to ₦3.17 trillion, while deposits rose by 6.3% to ₦13.69 trillion, signalling sustained customer confidence.

Total assets stood at ₦18.7 trillion, with shareholders’ funds at ₦3.6 trillion.

Improving Asset Quality and Risk Metrics

GTCO reported improved asset quality, with non-performing loans (Stage 3 under IFRS 9) declining to 4.4% from 5.0% at the end of 2025.

The cost of risk also dropped sharply to 0.2%, compared to 2.2% in December.

The bank maintained a strong capital adequacy ratio of 39.5%, well above regulatory requirements.

“A Defining Shift in Earnings” – CEO

Commenting on the results, Group Chief Executive Officer Segun Agbaje said:

“Our Q1 2026 results mark a defining shift in the quality and composition of our earnings, with strong underlying performance across our core banking operations and increasing contribution from our ecosystem businesses.”

He added:

“Our focus remains on driving sustainable earnings by deepening customer relationships, rapidly scaling our ecosystem businesses, and deploying technology to deliver simpler, faster, and more intuitive financial solutions.”

Why It Matters

The results highlight the continued strength of Nigeria’s top-tier banks, even amid inflationary pressures and currency volatility.

Strong deposit growth suggests customer trust remains high, while improved risk metrics indicate better loan performance.

For investors, GTCO’s return ratios, including a 34.4% return on equity reinforce its position as one of the most profitable financial institutions in the country.

Industry Perspective

Analysts say the results reflect a broader trend in Nigeria’s banking sector, where lenders are diversifying beyond traditional banking into payments, pensions, and wealth management.

GTCO’s expansion into “ecosystem businesses” signals a shift towards technology-driven financial services.

This aligns with increasing digital adoption across Africa’s financial landscape.

What’s Next

GTCO says it plans to scale its presence across West and East Africa while expanding its digital offerings.

The group is also targeting growth in payments and wealth management, areas seen as key revenue drivers in the coming years.

Closing

GTCO’s latest results underline the evolving nature of banking in Nigeria, where traditional lending is increasingly complemented by digital and ecosystem-driven growth.

As competition intensifies, the group’s strategy could shape how banks across Africa adapt to a rapidly changing financial landscape.