Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Solid waste management is a critical issue in Nigeria, with landfills being the most common disposal method. This study aims to investigate the impact of solid waste landfills in Nigeria. The research focuses on environmental, social, and health impacts associated with these landfills. The environmental impact assessment of solid waste landfills in Nigeria includes the contamination of soil, water, and air due to leachate seepage and gas emissions. These pollutants can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems and human health. The study also evaluates the contribution of landfills to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in the region. Social impacts of solid waste landfills in Nigeria are examined in terms of land use conflicts, loss of property value, and aesthetic degradation of the surrounding areas. The research investigates the effects of landfills on nearby communities, including potential social unrest and conflicts arising from waste disposal activities. Health impacts of solid waste landfills are a major concern, with studies linking exposure to landfill emissions to respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and other health issues. The study assesses the risks posed by landfills to the health of nearby residents, especially vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The research also explores the regulatory framework governing solid waste management in Nigeria and evaluates the effectiveness of current policies in mitigating the impacts of landfills. Recommendations for improving waste management practices and policies are provided based on the findings of the study. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of the impact of solid waste landfills in Nigeria and highlights the need for sustainable waste management practices to protect the environment, public health, and social well-being. By identifying the challenges and opportunities associated with landfill operations, this study aims to inform policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public about the importance of proper waste management in Nigeria.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Solid wastes comprise all the wastes arising from human and animal activities that are normally solid, discarded as useless or unwanted. Also included are by- products of process lines or materials that may be required by law to be disposed of (Okecha 2000). Solid waste can be classified in a number of ways, on the basis of sources, environmental risks, utility and physical property.

On the basis of source, solid wastes are again classified as: Municipal Solid Wastes, Industrial Solid Wastes and Agricultural Solid Wastes. Nigeria’s major urban centres are today fighting to clear mounting heaps of solid waste from their environments.

These strategic centres of beauty, peace and security are being overtaken by the messy nature of over flowing dumps unattended heaps of solid wastes emanating from household or domestic or kitchen sources, markets, shopping and business centres. Solid Waste Landfills.

City officials appear unable to combat unlawful and haphazard dumping of hazardous commercial and industrial wastes which are a clear violation of the clean Air and Health Edicts in our environmental sanitation laws, rules and regulation. Refuse generation and its likely effects on the health, quality of environment and the urban landscape have become burning national issues in Nigeria today. All stakeholders concern with the safety and the beautification of our environment have come to realise the negative consequences of uncleared solid human wastes found in residential neighbourhoods, markets, schools, and central business districts in our cities.

These solid wastes have become recurring features in our urban environment. It is no longer in doubt that our cities are inundated with the challenges of uncleared solid wastes. As a result, urban residents are often confronted with the hazardous impact to their collective health and safety. The hue and cry over the health consequences of exposed and fermenting rubbish have not been quantified, although their impact is noticeable, especially in times of epidemic in congested activity nucleicivic centres, CBDS, neigbhourhoods, etc.

A United Nations Report (August 2004) noted with regret that while developing countries are improving access to clean drinking water they are falling behind on sanitation goals. At one of its summit in 2000 (Uwaegbelun 2004) revealed that The World Health Organization- (WHO 2004) and United Nations International Children Education Fund- (UNICEF 2004) joint report in August 2004 that: “about 2.4 billion people will likely face the risk of needless disease and death by the target of 2015 because of bad sanitation”.

The report also noted that bad sanitation – decaying or non-existent sewage system and toilets- fuels the spread of diseases like cholera and basic illness like diarrhea, which kills a child every 21 seconds. The hardest hit by bad sanitation is rural poor and residents of slum areas in fast-growing cities, mostly in Africa and Asia . Solid Waste Landfills.