The Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has rejected a publication alleging harsh, unsafe and unconducive working conditions for Ad hoc Environmental Vanguards engaged by the State Government, describing the claims as misleading and a misrepresentation of the Government’s commitment to their welfare, safety and effective deployment.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, said Environmental Vanguards remain an important component of the State Government’s environmental sanitation and enforcement architecture, stressing that their engagement is aimed at supporting the restoration and maintenance of environmental sanity across Oyo State.
He explained that the present administration has continued to strengthen the workforce through the re-engagement of Environmental Vanguards, sweepers and packers to support sanitation operations. He added that efforts have been made to deploy personnel closer to their places of residence to reduce transportation costs, while their monthly payments are made alongside other government workers.
Aderinto further disclosed that the monthly remuneration of Environmental Vanguards had been increased from N30,000 to N80,000 under the present administration, describing the improvement as part of the Government’s commitment to supporting personnel engaged in environmental sanitation and enforcement.
The Commissioner clarified that Environmental Vanguards deployed to identified black spots are specifically charged with preventing indiscriminate disposal of refuse on road medians, open spaces and other prohibited locations. He explained that personnel are expected to educate members of the public on proper waste disposal and, where necessary, facilitate the apprehension of offenders in accordance with the law.
He stressed that the directive is not intended to punish personnel or compel them to generate fines, but is part of the Ministry’s strategy to address persistent environmental infractions and ensure that areas under their supervision remain clean. According to him, the primary objective of enforcement is compliance and environmental sanitation, while penalties are applied only where prescribed by law and due process.
Aderinto noted that whenever Environmental Vanguards are given clear responsibilities and achieve positive results in their areas of deployment, the Ministry recognises such performance as a means of encouraging and motivating them to remain diligent. He said positive results are not intended to constitute undue pressure or victimisation of personnel.
The Commissioner also dismissed claims that members of the Environmental Vanguard were arbitrarily dismissed from service. He explained that personnel identified with performance related concerns are first warned or placed on probation, while those who perform below expectations continue to receive their payments before any administrative decision is taken. He added that the Ministry believes in correcting, guiding and giving personnel opportunities to improve.
On safety, Aderinto said the Ministry takes concerns about attacks, security threats and operational challenges seriously and would not deliberately expose its personnel to unnecessary danger. He explained that Environmental Vanguards primarily operate within the metropolis and during daylight hours, where an existing security architecture is in place, adding that it would not be practicable to attach dedicated security personnel to every field officer.
He, however, disclosed that the Ministry has an emergency security response arrangement that can be activated whenever an alert is received. He said the Ministry maintains security collaboration with the Oyo State Rule of Law Agency, Operation Burst and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, while personnel have been directed to promptly report threats, resistance or situations that could escalate for appropriate intervention.
The Commissioner said the Ministry has consistently responded to reported security concerns and would continue to provide necessary assistance where circumstances require it. He added that operational arrangements, including security and logistics, are regularly reviewed in line with prevailing circumstances and the responsibilities assigned to personnel.
Aderinto also explained that the participation of Environmental Vanguards in the Oyo Soro Soke Sita (OYO SSS) initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy of involving the public in environmental enforcement. Under the initiative, environmental infractions may be reported through photographs or by facilitating the apprehension of offenders and reporting such cases to the Ministry.
He disclosed that while the collaborator’s share under the OYO SSS programme is 10 per cent, the share applicable to Environmental Vanguards who facilitate the apprehension of offenders was increased to 15 per cent to accommodate expenses that may be incurred in the course of carrying out such assignments.
The Commissioner stressed that the Ministry’s environmental enforcement activities are not designed to witch-hunt, intimidate or unduly punish members of the public, but to promote compliance with environmental laws and create an orderly environment necessary for public health, safety and economic activities. He urged enforcement personnel to carry out their duties professionally and within the ambit of the law, while members of the public are expected to comply with environmental regulations and desist from indiscriminate waste disposal.
He further noted that the Ministry maintains regular interaction with Environmental Vanguards through periodic meetings to discuss operations, exchange ideas, receive feedback and address emerging concerns. He therefore urged the public to disregard misleading reports about the welfare and working conditions of the personnel, stressing that the Ministry remains committed to the welfare of its workforce and that all legitimate salaries and approved entitlements are duly attended to.
