Numerous issues affect Nigeria’s environment, such as unlawful tree-cutting, pollution, desertification, open defecation, flooding, waste management, and Greenhouse gas emissions. These problems, which have a major influence on infrastructure, public health, and food security, continue in spite of community and governmental initiatives. Poor infrastructure, inappropriate waste disposal, and environmental exploitation all contribute to the recurrent calamity of flooding. In 2024, floods affected 33 states, killed over 300 people, and affected 1.2 million people. The Alau Dam flood in Borno State caused over 400,000 people to be relocated and damaged infrastructure. Food Security is at risk in states like Taraba, Kebbi, and Sokoto that have been severely impacted by the loss of farmland due to flooding.
In January 2024, single-use plastics were outlawed, but enforcement is still lax. Every year, 2.5 million tonnes of plastic garbage are produced in Nigeria, yet littering persists. The issue is made worse by inadequate Infrastructure for garbage management. Nigeria generates 32 million metric tonnes of garbage a year, or 0.51 kilogram of rubbish per person every day. Poor garbage disposal methods lead to extensive pollution, and the nation is among the worst in the world for the ineffective enforcement of Waste Management regulations. With 48 million people, Nigeria is the country with the highest rate of Open Defecation worldwide. Every year, poor Sanitation costs the nation 1.3% of its GDP.
Abuja and Benin City rank among the nation’s most polluted cities.
Due to household habits, vehicle emissions, and industrial operations, Nigeria has some of the worst air Pollution in the world. Abuja and Benin City rank among the nation’s most polluted cities, which leads to illnesses and fatalities. The implementation of rules, the promotion of a circular economy, the establishment of Emissions testing facilities, and the provision of plastic trash vending machines are all attempts to address these problems. However, enforcement issues continue to make concrete results elusive. Nigeria has had a lot of environmental problems, especially with pollution and flooding.
Data shows a concerning rise in the frequency and severity of these problems over time. For example, in 2012, approximately 7 million people were impacted by disastrous floods in Nigeria. The nation had even worse flooding ten years later, in 2022, which resulted in over 600 fatalities and the displacement of almost 1.4 million people. Tens of thousands of people were displaced and at least 179 people died as a result of floods in 2024, continuing this rising pattern. In the same way, pollution levels—particularly those of the air—have remained dangerously high.
Sustainable methods and community involvement are crucial.
There is a serious risk to Public Health because data shows that Nigeria’s average yearly level of particulate matter (PM2.5) is over ten times higher than the WHO-recommended threshold. There have been noteworthy achievements in environmental management in spite of these obstacles. Gully Erosion and land degradation have been addressed in great detail by the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), which was started in 2012. By the time NEWMAP was finished in 2022, it had effectively linked initiatives to reduce Poverty with improved disaster risk prevention and sustainable ecosystems.
More than 12 million people in 23 states were positively influenced by this activity. Furthermore, attempts to battle Desertification and promote sustainable land use practices have been prompted by Nigeria’s dedication to the Great Green Wall initiative. Sustainable methods and community involvement are crucial, according to environmental experts. Prominent environmental activist Dr. Nnimmo Bassey said, “Community-driven initiatives are crucial in combating environmental degradation.” The best custodians of their environment are local inhabitants that are empowered. Government representatives also understand the need of enforcing policies.
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Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the former Minister of State for Environment, stated: “We aim to cut all types of air pollution by 50% worldwide by 2030. The consequences for the economy, ecology, public health, and human existence will be severe if we do not act to reduce the current high level of air pollution. Solutions that are realistic and doable are needed to address these environmental issues. By putting in place effective waste management systems, such as Recycling initiatives and suitable disposal sites, pollution can be considerably decreased. Flooding can be lessened by making investments in green infrastructure, such as flood defences and sustainable urban drainage systems.