The Ogun State House of Assembly has taken a significant step toward regulating the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in the state as a bill seeking to promote public order, environmental safety, and security scaled second reading on the floor of the House.
The proposed legislation, titled H.B. No. 020/OG/2025 – Scavengers and Waste Dealers Regulation Law, 2025, sponsored by Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Tella, received widespread support from lawmakers during an extensive debate on its necessity.
Moving the motion for the bill’s second reading, Hon. Tella emphasized the urgent need to address the security concerns associated with scavenging activities.
He explained that when enacted, the law would regulate scavengers’ operations to specific hours—8:00 AM to 5:00 PM—while prohibiting activities on Sundays to ensure better oversight.
“The increasing security risks linked to unregulated scavenging demand immediate attention. This bill will not only curb indiscriminate waste collection but also enhance security by ensuring proper registration, designated working hours, and restricted operational zones,” Tella stated.
He further noted that the legislation would empower communities to determine where scavengers could operate while mandating all scavengers to register with the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with law enforcement and community leaders.
The bill also aims to enhance safety by fostering collaboration between scavenger task forces and community task forces, discouraging unlawful enforcement or jungle justice.
Additionally, it seeks to create a structured waste recycling framework while imposing penalties for violations to ensure compliance.
Supporting the bill, lawmakers including Hon. Samsideen Lawal, Hon. Adebisi Oyedele, Hon. Adeyanju Adegoke, Hon. Damilola Soneye, Hon. Olusegun Kaka Odunuga, and Hon. Waliu Owode stressed the importance of streamlining scavengers’ activities to curb rising cases of theft, burglary, and kidnapping linked to unauthorized scavenging.
“This bill will introduce clear identification for scavengers through designated uniforms, reducing incidents of burglary and other criminal activities disguised as scavenging operations,” Hon. Lawal noted.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, commended lawmakers for their robust contributions to the debate, describing the bill as a necessary intervention.
“Scavenger-related crimes, including vandalism and outright robbery, have become a national menace. This regulation will help prevent further damage to public infrastructure while safeguarding lives and property,” Elemide stated before committing the bill to the House Committee on Environment for further legislative review.
Young Farmers Club Bill Introduced
In a related development, the Assembly commenced deliberations on a bill aimed at promoting agriculture among young people as the Young Farmers Club Bill passed its first reading.
The bill seeks to establish young farmers’ clubs in basic and senior secondary schools across Ogun State to foster agricultural engagement among students. The first reading was taken by the Clerk and Head of Legislative Service, Mr. Sakiru Adebakin.
Assembly Pays Tribute to Late Alaperu of Iperu-Remo
Meanwhile, the House of Assembly observed a minute of silence in honor of the late Alaperu of Iperu-Remo, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu-Basibo.
The condolence message was formally presented at plenary by Hon. Olakunle Sobukanla, who represents Ikenne State Constituency.
The lawmakers extended their sympathies to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State Traditional Council, the monarch’s family, and the people of Iperu.
