The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has unveiled a household-focused used cooking oil (Ororo Waste) collection initiative to curb pollution, improve public health and create economic opportunities across the state.

The initiative, which was unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, was in collaboration with LASEPA, Ororo Waste Management with the support of Shell Foundation.

Speaking at the unveiling, the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, said improper disposal of used cooking oil blocks drainage, causes flooding, damages roads and increases public health risks in communities.

Ajayi spoke on the theme: “Turning Used Cooking Oil (Ororo) to Wealth for Environmental Protection.”

He noted that many households and restaurants discharge used oil into drainage, contaminating soil and groundwater while worsening air pollution through waste burning practices.

He said the initiative would convert used cooking oil into economic value, reduce infrastructure repair costs and prevent disease outbreaks linked to flooding and environmental pollution.

According to him, the programme promotes voluntary compliance by rewarding proper waste handling, encouraging residents to participate actively in environmental protection.

Ajayi said Nigeria ranks among the world’s top producers of used cooking oil, adding that Lagos accounts for about 50 per cent due to its population and economic activities.

He explained that collected oil would be processed for biofuel and other sustainable uses, supporting climate action and reducing pollution.

Also, the Managing Director, Ororo Waste Management, Mr Ayo Banjo, said households generate up to 60 per cent of used cooking oil and were critical to building a sustainable circular economy.

Banjo said the initiative would create income opportunities, empower youths and improve public health through safer cooking oil management.

In a goodwill message, Director, LASEPA Zonal Directorates, Mr Abiodun Ogunleye, pledged full grassroots support to ensure successful implementation across all zones.

Also, the Lagos State Coordinator of Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, Mr Franklyn Adebisi, said the initiative would address the indiscriminate disposal of used vegetable oil, popularly known as ororo.

Adebisi said used cooking oil was often poured into drains and waterways, especially during the rainy season, leading to environmental degradation and water contamination.

“Not every neighbourhood has access to pipe-borne water. Many households rely on wells and boreholes, which are increasingly contaminated due to improper disposal of waste oil,” he said.

He noted that water pollution contributes significantly to public health challenges, including cholera outbreaks, adding that the project was timely and long overdue.

He explained that the initiative would establish a structured collection system for used cooking oil from households, hotels, and fast-food outlets for onward processing into various value chains.

He disclosed that over 100 collection kiosks had been deployed across LASEPA zonal offices in Lagos to serve as designated drop-off points.

“These kiosks will enable waste pickers within each zone to collect used cooking oil from their catchment areas and deposit them at LASEPA collection centres,” he said.

He added that waste pickers would be financially compensated for the quantity of oil collected, although the pricing per litre would be determined in subsequent stakeholder engagements.

He said further discussions would be held to define roles, operational guidelines, and performance benchmarks to ensure smooth implementation of the project.

He commended LASEPA, Ororo Waste Management, Shell Foundation, and waste pickers for their commitment, describing waste pickers as “foot soldiers” critical to the project’s success.

NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the official unveilling of the kiosk used for the collection of Ororo Waste. (NAN)