Transforming Waste to Wealth: Lessons from Nigeria

Globally, Stats has that 1 million plastic bottles is consumed every minute.

In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, waste management presents a significant challenge. However, amidst this challenge lies a potential opportunity - the transformation of waste into wealth. This write-up explores how Nigeria is navigating this journey, leveraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement to turn waste into valuable resources.

Nigeria, with its rapidly growing population and urbanization, is grappling with a mounting waste crisis. In cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, the volume of waste generated far exceeds the capacity of existing waste management infrastructure. This leads to environmental degradation, public health hazards, and economic losses. This is a major challenge that could be harnessed for the common wealth of Nigerians.

Traditional approaches to waste management, such as landfilling and open burning, are not only unsustainable but also contribute to air and water pollution. Additionally, informal waste pickers- Commonly referred to as “Baban Bola” in certain parts of Nigeria, often marginalized and exposed to health risks, play a significant role in the informal waste management sector.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria is beginning to recognize the potential of waste as a valuable resource. By adopting innovative approaches, the country is exploring ways to convert waste into wealth, thereby addressing environmental concerns while creating economic opportunities. Although mostly dominated by the private sector, the government has done little in taking the lead.

One of the most promising avenues is recycling and upcycling. Initiatives such as the Recycle Points program in Lagos incentivize citizens to recycle by rewarding them with points that can be redeemed for household items or cash. Similarly, entrepreneurs are turning discarded materials like plastic bottles and tires into furniture, fashion accessories, and construction materials, creating a market for eco-friendly products.

Organic waste, such as food scraps and agricultural residues, can be converted into biogas through anaerobic digestion. This biogas can then be used for cooking, heating, or electricity generation, providing a renewable energy source while reducing methane emissions from landfills. Projects like the GESS Nigeria Biogas Program demonstrate the potential for decentralized biogas production, particularly in rural areas.

Investments in waste-to-energy plants offer another avenue for waste management and energy generation. These facilities utilize technologies like incineration or gasification to convert solid waste into electricity or heat. While still relatively nascent in Nigeria, projects like the Ogun State Integrated Waste Management Complex represent a step towards sustainable waste management and energy production.

Central to the success of waste-to-wealth initiatives is community engagement and education. Awareness campaigns, school programs, and partnerships with local organizations help promote waste segregation, recycling, and responsible consumption habits. By involving communities in waste management processes, these initiatives foster a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship.

Akpewe James Leleji