Oluwafunbi Bello 
OYO, Nigeria – Oyo State introduces a whistleblower policy paying residents to report illegal waste dumping, replacing communal bins with citizen-driven enforcement.
The initiative, launched in Oluyole Local Government Area, removes large roadside waste bins and replaces them with the Oyo Sọrọ Soke S’ita (SSS) reporting system.
Commissioner for Environment, Ademola Aderinto, says the old system is unsustainable. “The money spent evacuating bins could fund infrastructure, health, and education,” he states.
Under the scheme, residents who report offenders receive one-fifth of imposed fines, starting from ₦50,000. Reports must include verifiable evidence, while offenders face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
Governor Seyi Makinde backs the reform as part of broader environmental sanitation efforts.
Waste management consultant Adetunji Lam-Adesina links sanitation to economic growth. “Without a clean environment, we risk our health and investment opportunities,” he says.
Community leaders urge residents to take responsibility, stressing that enforcement alone cannot guarantee cleaner cities.
Authorities believe the policy will foster civic responsibility and reduce environmental degradation, though its effectiveness will depend on public participation and enforcement consistency.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Korede Abdullah 
Chukwu Obinna