Exploring Municipal Solid Waste Management in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, and Roadmap for Sustainable Development

Abdulfatah, Anisa Kabir

Abstract

The escalating generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) presents a grave environmental and public health concern, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. Addressing this issue is imperative, yet waste management often takes a backseat due to socioeconomic challenges such as poverty and economic decline. Therefore, this study aimed to uncover the primary challenges within MSW management in Nigeria and construct an informed decision-making framework for stakeholders. The research aim was achieved by addressing five objectives, including identifying current challenges affecting municipal solid waste management in Nigeria, evaluating the criticality and level of influence of the difficulties affecting municipal solid waste management in Nigeria, highlighting opportunities for mitigation solutions, examining public perception and experience on waste management in Nigeria, and developing a conceptual framework integrating all the findings, serving as a roadmap for stakeholders and policymakers. The research encompassed an extensive literature review on municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in Nigeria and the extraction of best practices from developed countries. The research methodology takes an interpretive stance and employs a mixed-method approach to gather primary data through online interviews and surveys. Thematic analysis using NVivo software illuminated challenges such as deficient infrastructure, inadequate funding, and lack of awareness. Notably, novel challenges like ineffective sensitisation emerged, not previously highlighted in prior studies. These challenges were classified into government-driven (GDC) and public-driven (PDC) challenges. Based on the PDC, data was collected from the public via online surveys on social media platforms to validate expert opinions. Statistical analysis was employed using SPSS. Opportunities highlighted in the study include various types of revenue generation, inclusion, school waste education, etc. The study's findings reveal that Nigeria's MSW sector has shown minimal improvement, with persistent challenges. Furthermore, a hierarchical arrangement of challenges was established based on their criticality, revealing interconnectedness wherein one challenge influences the occurrence of others. Notably, statistical analysis demonstrated the influence of age, employment status, and gender on PDC.
The culmination of this research is a comprehensive conceptual framework poised to guide decision-makers in advancing MSW management in Nigeria. The framework was informed by integrating qualitative and quantitative outcomes of this study, addressing pivotal issues like funding, infrastructure development, public awareness, and stakeholder involvement. Moreover, it delineates the stakeholders responsible at each recommended stage, offering a roadmap for tailored implementation. The framework's adaptability to diverse Nigerian regions, accommodating their unique challenges, underscores its potential as a catalyst for tangible change. This study holds significant implications for policy formulation practice enhancement and is a foundation for future research endeavours in municipal solid waste management.

Citation

Abdulfatah, A. K. (2023). Exploring Municipal Solid Waste Management in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, and Roadmap for Sustainable Development. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 25, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 1, 2024
• Award Date: Sep 29, 2023