According to Chidiebere Ugwu, a Coalition for Socioecological Transformation (CoSET) member, expressed concern about Nigeria’s low waste recycling rate of only 12%, highlighting a significant issue. The World Bank reports that Nigeria produces 32 million tons of solid waste each year, with projections showing this could increase to 107 million tons by 2050. Furthermore, the United Nation Organization (UNO) has noted in a report that only a small fraction of the 2.5 million tons of plastic waste produced in Nigeria each year are only managed to be recycled.
In new findings, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) reported a 116.26% increase in plastic usage in Nigeria over a span of 5 years, reaching 1.25 million tons. Chidiebere expressed concern over the UNO and UNIDO reports, emphasizing the concerning state of Nigeria’s waste management practices. This issue poses a significant challenge due to the extensive expenses associated with managing the waste, encompassing not only financial burdens but also unnoticeable consequences like environmental pollution and health risks, among various other factors.
Rise in plastic consumption has been significant.
The impacts of these risks extend beyond just economic consequences, affecting societies on a broader scale by contributing to climate change from sources such as emissions released from landfill sites. According to Jean Bakole, the Country representative of UNIDO, Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa with the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is experiencing a growing issue with plastic waste. Bakole noted that the rise in plastic consumption has been significant, with a jump from 578,000 tonnes in 2007 to approximately 1,250,000 tonnes presently. This equates to a yearly increase of 5% in per capita plastic consumption, rising from 4kg to 6.5kg.
Approximately 7kg of plastic is predicted to be used per person annually, according to recent estimates. Chidiebere identified three main challenges with waste management in Nigeria include the lack of proper education, insufficient funding, and the undervaluation of waste pickers. He emphasized that waste pickers’ crucial role in waste collection often goes unnoticed as they are marginalized within the community. Their jobs require extensive physical exertion and expose them to numerous dangers, yet they receive no official acknowledgment for their efforts.
Lack of public awareness on waste management practices.
It is essential to recognize the significance of waste collectors as they play a crucial role in ensuring things run smoothly. Unfortunately, these essential workers often remain unnoticed and lack the support they deserve. Embracing the concept of trash-as-cash can lead to a shift in mindset that has the power to reshape our outlook on waste management. He pointed out that lack of education leads to a lack of public awareness about proper waste management practices.
Chidiebere said policy makers should prioritize educating all citizens on proper solid waste management practices, including recycling. The lack of knowledge in this area is considered just as detrimental to environmental conservation as illiteracy. He recommends that state governments increase funding for waste management initiatives. In order to bridge the gap at all levels, state governments must give top priority to funding these two areas. Without adequate funding, this gap will persist across all sectors, as money is needed in every area.
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For successful advancement in technology and sustainability in waste management, it is crucial for various levels of government to prioritize financial investments in infrastructure development. This includes enhancing technology and building capacity for effective waste management systems, not restricted to any specific area. Through the years, Nigerians have been contributing to the pollution of the ecosystem and marine environment through poor handling of plastic waste. This pollution not only harms biodiversity and the blue economy, but also leads to the release of greenhouse gases.
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