The Oyo State government has issued a stern warning to about 20 waste management contractors over their failure to meet the terms of their agreements, leading to waste accumulation across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Arc. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, made this known in Ibadan on Sunday after a meeting with the affected contractors.
Mogbonjubola expressed disappointment over the situation, noting that the government outsourced waste collection to ensure a cleaner environment but has observed a lack of commitment from some contractors, especially in Ibadan, where refuse has been piling up on major roads for months.
He disclosed that the state government has initiated a comprehensive review and renewal of waste management contracts to improve service delivery and compliance with environmental regulations. The review, held on Thursday and Friday at the ministry’s conference room, assessed contractors’ performance based on operational efficiency, financial compliance, regulatory adherence, and innovation.
“This is not a witch-hunt but a necessary step to address public concerns and optimize service delivery,” the commissioner said.
To oversee the process, the ministry has set up a mini-committee to conduct a thorough assessment, after which the government will decide whether to extend contracts under revised terms or renegotiate them for better performance.
Mogbonjubola also reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing waste management through initiatives such as smart waste bins, digital monitoring systems, and expanded recycling efforts.
“But I must say that I am disappointed in the low performance of the waste contractors. For the last two months, waste has continued to pile up on the roads with no one coming to evacuate them,” he said.
“If things continue this way, we will have no option but to revoke the contracts.”
He urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that the government is taking urgent steps to clear all accumulated refuse.
Government’s Final Warning
The warning comes amid growing complaints from residents over poor waste management, with heaps of refuse causing environmental and health concerns in several parts of the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who signed the statement, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enforcing stricter waste management measures to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
