Challenges of solid waste management and environmental sanitation in Ibadan North Local government, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

It is widely accepted that Nigerian cities generally suffer in the area of effectively managing the high rate of solid waste generation in the country which poses great problems for good environmental sanitation and sustainable living of the citizens. The issues surrounding solid waste and its management in Nigerian municipalities have been variously discussed by scholars in various fields of study, but the multi faced nature of the challenges associated with it make research into it imperative. Therefore, this paper concentrates on the challenges affecting management of solid waste in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative research techniques and was conducted among stakeholders including officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment, Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo State Waste Management Authority, private contractors and residents of the twelve wards that make up the local government. Data were collected using In-Depth Interviews and Key Informant Interviews. Data collected were content analysed. The study revealed that financial incapability, inadequate manpower and welfare, poor provision of health services, negative attitudes, poor equipment maintenance, crude waste disposal and unplanned city structures among others were factors affecting solid waste management and environmental sanitation in the study area. Therefore, there should be increased patronage and effective management of the private contractors, prompt collection of solid wastes in the city, financial back up, and implementation of the waste-to- wealth scheme.

Keywords: Solid Waste, Solid Waste Management, Environmental sanitation