Municipal Solid Waste Management in Greater Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, municipal solid waste management is an integral part of the waste management system. The current status of municipal solid waste management in Greater Jos, a rapidly growing municipality in Nigeria has been reviewed through literature and other relevant documents. In addition, information from in-depth interviews conducted on senior government officials and industry stakeholders have been used in this review of municipal solid waste management problem in Greater Jos. The problem is the existing municipal solid waste management system which is affected by unfavourable economic, institutional, political, legislative, technical and operational constraints. Despite recent improvements in the operations of the existing system through engagement of tasks force on environmental sanitation, municipal solid wastes are still dumped along roads, in culverts, drainage channels, underneath bridges and any available open spaces. A reliable municipal solid waste collection service that will be appropriate to local conditions is needed. Cooperation among the formal and informal sectors, communities, various stakeholders, good public awareness, attitudes and education is important. Markets for waste recyclable materials need to be encouraged. Small-scale composting plants could promote employment, income generation and poverty alleviation. Finally, recommendations for improvement include among others, policy and planning framework for municipal solid waste management, enforcing relevant clauses in development guidelines, accurate population data and funding for proper planning of waste management systems and infrastructure is necessary.

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Author Information
Gwom Peter, Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom
Angela Hull, Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom
Paul Jowitt, Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom
Adebayo Adeloye, Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom

• Category: Environmental Sustainability and Environmental Management: Land Use and Misuse

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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