Lagos:An initiative to promote the proper disposal of used cooking oil in Lagos is facing challenges due to a lack of awareness among residents and food vendors.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) launched a program called Ororo Waste in February. The initiative aims to reduce pollution and enhance public health by collecting used cooking oil. Collaborating with Ororo Waste Management and supported by the Shell Foundation, the initiative also seeks to create economic opportunities through the recovery of used cooking oil.
The program promises incentives for residents who bring used cooking oil to designated collection points at LASEPA’s offices. However, interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria revealed that many residents and vendors were unaware of these incentives and had not received guidance from environmental authorities or local government officials on proper disposal methods.
Some vendors expressed willingness to participate if they were provided with regular collection systems and education on safe disposal. For example, Ms. Mary Udonwa, a food vendor, stated she disposes of used oil by pouring it on the soil, while Ms. Rachel Ametohun said she reuses oil for specific foods but lacks guidance on proper disposal.
Residents like Mrs. Anita Ogbenne and Mrs. Deborah Abodirin reported reusing cooking oil multiple times before discarding it, often in environmentally harmful ways like pouring it into gutters. They expressed openness to learning better disposal methods if they were educated on the environmental impacts.
Mrs. Beaumaris Auwal, a restaurant owner, has implemented a practice of cooling and bottling used oil before disposal, a method she learned from her mother. Meanwhile, Mrs. Florence Mbanefo has reduced her use of cooking oil after an accident and now primarily uses an air fryer.
The feedback suggests that more effective communication and outreach are needed to ensure the initiative’s success. Mr. Ayo Banjo, Managing Director of Ororo Waste Management, emphasized that households produce up to 60% of used cooking oil and are crucial for building a sustainable circular economy. The initiative aims to create income opportunities and improve public health through better management of used cooking oil.