Challenges in developing and threshold countries to facilitate the NSP: Innovative sustainable solid waste management in Nigeria

Abstract

Problems associated with solid waste management (SWM) have proved to be complex in origin and in solution. In Nigeria SWM is characterized by inefficient collection methods, insufficient coverage of the collection system and improper disposal of solid waste. This chapter reviews the current status of SWM in Nigeria. For SWM to be sustainable in Nigeria a greater financial investment needs to be made, possibly including provision through local rates and taxes. In addition, appropriate technologies in line with the nature of garbage generated need to be explored. Finally the effort and role played by the informal sector in SWM in Nigeria needs to be recognised, but there is urgent need for this sector to be formalized so that its role can be geared towards achieving sustainability.