SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF BENIN CITY)

ABSTRACT

Solid waste management in Nigeria is yet to become a sustainable and reasonably effective process. It is estimated that about 66,828 tonnes of solid waste are generated daily in Nigeria at a rate of 0.65 - 0.95 kg/capita/day adding up to 42 million tonnes of solid waste generated annually. This study was carried out to examine the problems associated with solid waste management in Nigeria using Benin City as a case study. Data collection for this study was done via structured questionnaires for residents of the city and workers in the Edo State Ministry of Environment. Data obtained was subjected to descriptive analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics version 16. The results of the study showed that the majority of respondents were female (60%) and were in residential areas (55%). Residents of the city reported that the government in the state was frequently involved in the collection of waste. Waste sorting and recycling, however, were not common practices. Some residents also practiced open burning of water. On a general basis, the respondents were of the opinion the waste management in their localities were good (45%) while the remainder believed theirs was bad. The most commonly used waste management method according to the staff of the waste management board is landfilling (75%). The most serious challenges to solid waste management highlighted by staff included lack of financial resources (80%), lack of equipment (85%), breakdown of equipment and vehicles (95%), inability to repair/maintain equipment/vehicles (85%), lack of urban planning (85%), rapid urbanisation (95%), poor cooperation among government agencies (85%) and poor public participation (100%). Measures suggested to combat these challenges included improved funding, raising education and awareness levels of the public, establishment of proper waste management systems and improved urban planning.