By Omoniyi David
cross the Federal Capital Territory, many young Hausa men have turned plastic waste collection into a means of survival.
From dawn to dusk, they roam streets and dumpsites with large sacks, gathering bottles, sachet water bags, and takeaway packs to sell to recycling agents.
Musa Ibrahim, a collector in Garki, said the job may be tough but sustains him. “We sell a kilo for ₦150 to ₦200. It’s not easy, but it puts food on the table,” he said.
Another collector, Usman Abdullahi, noted that many come from Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna, earning between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000 daily. “It’s hard work, but better than stealing,” he added.
Their efforts, though informal, contribute to waste management by reducing litter and plastic pollution in the city.
However, lack of regulation, safety gear, and fluctuating prices remain major challenges.
Despite the odds, these youths continue to turn Abuja’s waste into a source of hope and livelihood.
