Evaluation of Solid Waste Generation Trends Across Nigeria for Sustainable Management

Abstract

This study presents an extensive review of literature on solid waste management trends in Nigeria and also an in-depth assessment of  solid waste generation across Nigeria's 36 states, with estimates based on 2023 population data and state-specific factors such as  urbanization, industrial activity, and economic status. Using World Bank estimates of 0.51 kg/person/day as a baseline, per-capita waste generation rates were adjusted for each state. Highly urbanized and industrialized areas like Lagos, Rivers, Kano, and FCT were assigned  higher rates (0.60–0.65 kg/day), while moderately urbanized states such as Delta, Enugu, and Edo received lower rates (0.53–0.55 kg/day).  Less urbanized or rural states, including Yobe, Taraba, and Jigawa, were assigned the lowest rates (0.43–0.45 kg/day). The daily  waste generation for each state was calculated by multiplying its population by the adjusted percapita waste rate, and the total was  converted from kilograms to tonnes. Annual waste generation was then derived by multiplying daily waste output by 365 days. This  method provided detailed estimates of waste generation across the country, reflecting both population size and state-specific characteristics.The results revealed that states like Lagos, Kano, and the FCT stand out as the highest waste-generating regions, followed  by Rivers and Oyo which are moderate; states such as Yobe, Taraba, and Bayelsa generate significantly lower volumes of waste. The study  recommended the development of state-specific waste management plans, prioritize the establishment and expansion of recycling programs and waste-to-energy technologies while encouraging private sector involvement in waste management through public-private  partnerships (PPPs) among others.