At the second edition of the Cleaners Forum held on 22 May 2025 in Abuja, leading organisations from Nigeria’s environmental, financial, and private sectors gathered to deliberate on the future of the cleaning industry, with a focus on climate action, sustainability, and innovation. The event, organised by the Prime Environment Cleaners Network Association of Nigeria, drew participation from Makita Power Tools, Fairmoney Microfinance Bank, EHCON, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

Held under the theme “The Future of the Cleaning Industry,” the forum aimed to highlight the environmental and public health roles of cleaners, particularly in light of global climate goals. Participants discussed ways to integrate sustainable practices into daily cleaning operations while enhancing professional standards across the sector.

Barrister Yakubu Mohammed Yazeed, President of the Prime Environment Cleaners Network Association, said the forum was created not just to build capacity but to foster a new mindset around climate responsibility in the industry. “Cleaners are frontline environmental workers,” he said. “Their daily duties are pivotal to maintaining public hygiene and ecological stability.”

Delivering a message on behalf of the Director General of the NCCC, Hajia Halima Bawa Bwari called on industry players to adopt sustainable practices. She noted that the cleaning sector has an important role to play in supporting Nigeria’s environmental commitments. Sanitarian Rachel Omenta, who spoke for the AEPB, urged greater grassroots participation in community waste management, particularly in areas lacking effective disposal systems.

Fairmoney Microfinance Bank used the platform to introduce targeted financial packages aimed at helping cleaners grow or start their own businesses. The bank’s intervention linked economic opportunity with environmental goals by supporting sustainable business models.

EHCON, through its Directorate of Registration and Licensing, advocated for formal registration of cleaning businesses to ensure higher standards across the profession. “We are encouraging all cleaning professionals to register with the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria,” said Obitolu Stephen, representing EHCON at the event. “This step is critical for building trust and raising professionalism in the sector.”

Makita Power Tools, the event’s headline sponsor, unveiled a series of equipment designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry. The showcased tools included high-efficiency vacuums and pressure washers intended to reduce water and energy use, aligning with the forum’s sustainability theme.

The Cleaners Forum is set to continue its engagement in other parts of the country, with upcoming sessions planned in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Asaba. The ongoing dialogue between industry practitioners, government agencies, and private sector leaders reflects growing recognition of the sector’s contribution to public health and climate resilience.