Eight months after, Oyo PSP retrieves impounded waste truck, appreciates Commissioner, OYOWMA boss

A waste collector and Private Sector Operator (PSP) in Oyo state, Mrs. Adebisi Rebecca has expressed appreciation to the state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Pastor Ademola Aderinto and the Chairman of the Oyo State Waste Management Authority, Hon. Waheed Adeniyi, following the release of her operational truck eight months after it was impounded.

The development comes amid allegations by waste collectors operating across the state who accused some consultants engaged by the Ministry of exploiting them and invoking the name of Governor Seyi Makinde to justify what they described as arbitrary charges and unfair operational practices.

The aggrieved waste collectors had late last year, vented their frustration during an interface with the OYOWMA chairman where they tabled complaints bordering on alleged extortion, lack of transparency, intimidation and what they termed unethical operational conduct.

Adebisi recounted her ordeal under the new waste management regime and noted that even though the consultant in charge of her route has treated her unfairly, the OYOWMA boss has remained a pillar of support and instrumental to the release of her waste truck.

According to her, she had paid the sum of N200,000 as registration fee to operate as a PSP under the new structure. However, she said the consultant covering Akinyele Local Government impounded her truck in 2025 without prior notice or clear explanation of any infraction.

She further alleged that her assigned route was subsequently handed over to another operator.

Olabisi explained that despite repeated appeals and what she described as express directives from the OYOWMA chairman ordering the release of her truck, the consultant refused to comply.

She claimed she was later asked to pay an additional N2.5 million before the truck could be released.

“It was a very difficult period for me and my family. That truck is my source of livelihood. For eight months, I could not operate,” she said.

She, however, confirmed that the truck has now been released following the intervention of the Commissioner for Environment and the OYOWMA chairman, a gesture she described as a relief and a sign that the government is willing to listen and act in the interest of business operators in the state.

She expressed appreciation to her colleagues in the business who she said encouraged and motivated her throughout the difficult time her truck was impounded and her source of income grounded.

Speaking on the role of the commissioner on the release of her truck, she said Pastor Aderinto’s depth of knowledge about waste management operation and relationship with consultants played key role in the release.

She described the appointment of Pastor Aderinto as the new Commissioner for Environment by governor Seyi Makinde as putting a round peg in a round hole.

Mrs. Adebisi assured that she will continue to abide by laid down guidelines and regulations guiding their operations as PSPs in the state.