Evaluating The Problems Of Solid Waste Management In Nigeria

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

As a result of increased urbanization and infrequent environmental sanitation exercises, urban residents dump solid wastes carelessly or haphazardly – anywhere they deem fit. Such controversial tendencies and attributeswould seem incomprehensible; if we desire tolive in beauteous environments.Some of the lagoon front in the country has been turned into a dump for humanand all sorts of solid waste. Trucks fully loadedwith feces queue up in large numbers to dischargethe contents into the lagoon (Njoku 2006).Environmental experts are of the view that theimplication of this practice is very grave. The failure of relevant agencies to stem thetide of reckless waste dumping and littering of Nigerian cities’ infrastructure (streets and roads) andsurrounding bushes indicate a clear pattern ofnon-enforcement or non-implementation ofexisting environmental sanitation laws.

Irregular and unplanned dumping ofsolid wastes, especially at night, which are oftenin gross violation of relevant rules and regulationscontinue to hinder plan preparationsand effective land use delineation which wereexpected to usher in a beautiful, clean and orderlyenvironment.Consequently, there remains a huge gapbetween policy formulation, execution and implementationwhich exacerbate the problem ofsolid waste management in Nigerian cities which necessitate the need to evaluate the problems of solid waste management in Nigeria by the researcher.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objective of this study:

1. To evaluate the problems of solid waste management in Nigeria.

2. To examine the consequences of poor solid waste management in Nigeria.

3. To identify the strategies than has been adopted in solid waste management in Nigeria.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the problems of solid waste management in Nigeria?

2. What are the consequences of poor solid waste management in Nigeria?

3. What are the strategies than has been adopted in solid waste management in Nigeria?

1.5 HYPOTHESIS

HO: Solid waste management has not been effective in Nigeria.

HA: Solid waste management has been effective in Nigeria.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the significance of this study:

1. This study will educate the general public, stakeholders in environmental management, students, government and policy makers on the problems of solid waste management focusing on Nigeria with a view of identifying management strategies to combat the menace associated with poor solid waste management.

2. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study on the evaluation of problems of solid waste management in Nigeria will cover all issues related to solid waste management system in Nigeria. It will cover the attitude of Nigerians to solid waste management, policies and regulatory framework.

LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Solid waste: means any garbage, refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded materials including solid, liquid, semi-solid, or contained gaseous material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations

Pollution: the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.

Environment: the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

Management: the process of dealing with or controlling things or people.