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, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is a collaboration between LASEPA and Ororo Waste Management, with support from the Shell Foundation.
Speaking at the unveiling, LASEPA General Manager Dr Babatunde Ajayi said improper disposal of used cooking oil blocks drainage systems, causes flooding, damages roads, and heightens public health risks in communities.
Ajayi spoke under the theme: “Turning Used Cooking Oil (Ororo) to Wealth for Environmental Protection.”
He noted that many households and restaurants discharge used oil into drains, contaminating soil and groundwater while exacerbating air pollution through waste burning.
He said the programme 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 initiative promotes voluntary compliance by rewarding proper waste handling, encouraging residents to actively participate in environmental protection.
Ajayi said Nigeria ranks among the world’s top producers of used cooking oil, with Lagos accounting for about 50 per cent due to its population and economic activities.
He explained that collected oil would be processed into biofuel and other sustainable uses, supporting climate action and reducing pollution.
The Managing Director of Ororo Waste Management, Mr Ayo Banjo, said households generate up to 60 per cent of used cooking oil and are critical to building a sustainable circular economy.
Banjo added that the initiative would create income opportunities, empower youths, and improve public health through safer cooking oil management.
In a goodwill message, LASEPA Zonal Directorates Director Mr Abiodun Ogunleye pledged full grassroots support to ensure successful implementation across all zones.
The Lagos State Coordinator of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, Mr Franklyn Adebisi, said the programme would address indiscriminate disposal of used vegetable oil, popularly known as ororo.
Adebisi noted that used cooking oil is often poured into drains and waterways—especially during the rainy season—leading to environmental degradation and water contamination.
“Not every neighborhood 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 highlighted that water pollution contributes significantly to public health challenges, including cholera outbreaks, adding that the project was timely and long overdue.
Adebisi 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 have 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 it at LASEPA collection centres,” he said.
He added that waste pickers would be financially compensated for the quantity of oil collected, though pricing per liter would be determined in subsequent stakeholder engagements.
He said further discussions would define roles, operational guidelines, and performance benchmarks to ensure smooth project implementation.
Adebisi commended LASEPA, Ororo Waste Management, the Shell Foundation, and waste pickers for their commitment, describing waste pickers as “foot soldiers” critical to the project’s success.
The highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the kiosk used for collecting Ororo Waste.
