Nigeria’s Bold Steps Towards Sustainable Waste Management

By

Elias Aramide H22/Mac/067

Department of Mass Communication

The Polytechnic Ile-Ife, Osun State

Waste management is a critical issue affecting both the environment and public health globally. In Nigeria, improper waste disposal, particularly single-use plastics, poses significant challenges. However, recent government initiatives indicate a shift towards more sustainable waste management practices, aiming to address these pressing issues.

Under the leadership of Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, the Federal Government has embarked on ambitious plans to tackle Nigeria’s waste management challenges. These include the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as the establishment of recycling plants in each of the 774 local government areas. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to promote a circular economy and address gaps in waste management infrastructure and policy frameworks.

Minister Salako’s vision emphasizes the importance of policy reinforcement, capacity building, and community engagement in achieving sustainable waste management practices. By investing in recycling infrastructure and raising public awareness, the government aims to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of improper waste disposal.

In his keynote address, Salako said the Federal Ministry of Environment, as part of its deliverables under the eight presidential priority areas, is expected to commence the full implementation of the circular economy roadmap for Nigeria this year. He identified inadequate policy, a legal and regulatory framework, and insufficient funds dedicated to promoting the concept as part of several obstacles to the implementation of a circular economy in Nigeria.

Olatunji Ajoke, a final year student of Yabatech’s Department of Environmental Sciences, provided insights into public perception regarding Nigeria’s waste management initiatives. Ajoke underscored the significance of effective waste management in preserving the environment and public health. While acknowledging the government’s efforts, she emphasized the need for comprehensive education and awareness campaigns to foster behavioral change among citizens.

The danger in using plastics, generally in food packaging and distribution, goes beyond environmental pollution. Evidences from recent research have shown that particles of plastics used in food packaging, distribution or storage, especially under heat, permeate into the foods from where they enter into our blood after we ingest the food or water.

Although the potential health effects are still uncertain, previous researches are said to have found evidence of plastic particles in human blood, lungs, gut, faeces and reproductive tissues. Using laser rays in a more recent study at Columbia University, scientists have been able to detect hundreds of thousands of previously invisible tiny plastic particles in bottled water.

According to the research, on average, each litre of bottled water was found to contain about 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic. And about 90 per cent of those plastic fragments were nanoplastics, which are invisible to the naked eye.
Despite government efforts, several challenges persist in Nigeria’s waste management landscape. Inadequate policy frameworks, limited funding, and a lack of recycling infrastructure remain significant obstacles. Additionally, low public awareness and insufficient data hinder efforts to promote sustainable waste practices.

To address these challenges, stakeholders must collaborate to develop holistic waste management strategies. This includes strengthening policy frameworks, investing in recycling technology, and empowering local communities to participate in waste management initiatives. By fostering partnerships and leveraging innovative solutions, Nigeria can overcome existing barriers and achieve its waste management goals.

Nigeria’s commitment to advancing its waste management agenda reflects a proactive approach to addressing environmental and public health concerns. Through bold initiatives such as the ban on single-use plastics and the establishment of recycling plants, the government is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future. However, sustained efforts and collaboration across sectors are essential to overcome existing challenges and realize the vision of a circular economy. With continued commitment and engagement, Nigeria can emerge as a leader in sustainable waste management practices.