The Oyo State Government has reassured waste management consultants operating across the state that all outstanding payments for waste evacuation services rendered from January 23 to date will be settled within the next 48 hours.

The assurance was given as part of efforts by the government to address concerns raised by operators in the sector and to maintain the efficiency of waste management services across the state.

This assurance was made during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting convened by the state government with waste management consultants at the conference hall of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

The meeting provided an avenue for open dialogue between government officials and private waste operators, allowing both parties to review ongoing operations, address existing concerns, and strengthen collaboration aimed at improving environmental sanitation in the state.

The engagement forms part of broader efforts by the present administration to strengthen waste management systems and reposition Oyo State as a model for environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

Government officials at the meeting reiterated their determination to implement reforms that will enhance operational efficiency, ensure accountability, and improve service delivery within the waste management sector.

Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engineer (Dr) Ademola Aderinto, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to restoring Oyo State’s reputation as the “Pacesetter” in effective waste management and environmental protection.

He stressed that the government remains focused on creating a cleaner, healthier environment for residents while also supporting the private sector partners responsible for waste evacuation and disposal.

The commissioner explained that the continued engagement of waste management consultants by the state government would be guided strictly by performance standards.

According to him, consultants will be evaluated based on their compliance with operational guidelines, the efficiency of their service delivery, and feedback received from members of the public regarding their activities.

He further disclosed that the renewal of consultants’ contracts, which is scheduled for review at the end of the month, will depend largely on measurable performance indicators.

These indicators include the prompt evacuation of waste from assigned locations, the level of adherence to operational procedures, and the number of unresolved complaints recorded against individual consultants.

Aderinto also used the opportunity to reassure the consultants that the state government remains committed to meeting its financial obligations to operators in the sector.

He confirmed that payments owed for waste evacuation services from January 23 to date will be cleared within the next 48 hours.

In addition, he revealed that discussions are ongoing within the government to address the backlog of payments relating to the months of November and December.

The commissioner acknowledged the vital role played by waste management consultants in ensuring environmental cleanliness and public health.

He, therefore, urged them to intensify their efforts, improve response times, and maintain consistent service delivery in their respective operational zones across the state.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both the government and the consultants expressing renewed commitment to strengthening their partnership.

Participants agreed that sustained collaboration, improved communication, and strict adherence to operational standards would be key to achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for residents of Oyo State.