Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The impact of inefficient waste management on oceans in Nigeria is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. Nigeria, a country with a large coastal area and significant marine biodiversity, is facing severe environmental consequences due to the improper disposal of waste. This research aims to investigate the various ways in which inefficient waste management practices are contributing to the degradation of the oceans in Nigeria. The study will examine the sources of marine litter, including plastic waste, industrial discharge, and sewage runoff, and their effects on ocean health. By analyzing data on waste generation, collection, and disposal methods in key coastal cities, the research will identify the gaps in current waste management systems that are leading to the contamination of marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the study will assess the impact of marine pollution on marine life, human health, and coastal communities in Nigeria. Through surveys, interviews, and field observations, the research will gather first-hand information on the extent of the problem and its socio-economic implications. By highlighting the link between inefficient waste management and the decline of fisheries, tourism, and public health, the study aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for improved waste management practices. In addition, the research will explore existing policies and regulations related to waste management and marine conservation in Nigeria. By conducting a policy analysis and stakeholder consultations, the study will evaluate the effectiveness of current measures in addressing the issue of marine pollution. The research will also propose recommendations for policy reforms, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns to enhance waste management practices and protect the oceans in Nigeria. Overall, this research seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the environmental challenges facing Nigeria's coastal areas and the importance of sustainable waste management for marine conservation. By shedding light on the consequences of inefficient waste management on oceans in Nigeria, the study aims to inform policy decisions, mobilize community action, and promote a more responsible attitude towards waste disposal to safeguard the health and integrity of marine ecosystems.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Recycling: Cities are at the nexus of a further threat to the environment, namely the production of an increasing quantity and complexity of wastes. The estimated quantity of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated worldwide is 1.7 – 1.9 billion metric tons.2 In many cases, municipal wastes are not well managed in developing countries, as cities and municipalities cannot cope with the accelerated pace of waste production. Waste collection rates are often lower than 70 per cent in low-income countries. More than 50 per cent of the collected waste is often disposed of through uncontrolled landfilling and about 15 per cent is processed through unsafe and informal recycling.

Municipal Solid Waste Management 2 As a Mayor, you may have to face challenging waste management decisions addressing issues that require immediate attention as well as potential issues that require strategic and integrated planning and implementation. Establishing and improving facilities for collection, recycling, treatment and disposal for MSW management can be very costly. For example, building and operating sanitary landfills and incineration plants require huge investments and incur substantial operation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable locations for waste treatment facilities due to the prevalence of the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) attitude amongst communities. Waste Management

Meanwhile, if waste is growing at 3-5 per cent a year and rural-urban migration increases a city’s population at a similar rate, then a city’s waste generation will double every 10 years.4 Urban managers are therefore encouraged to pursue the paths of Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) and Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3Rs) that place highest priority on waste prevention, waste reduction, and waste recycling instead of just trying to cope with ever-increasing amounts of waste through treatment and disposal. Such efforts will help cities to reduce the financial burden on city authorities for waste management, as well as reduce the pressure on landfill requirements. We live in a world of increasing scarcity. Raw materials from natural resources are limited, financial resources are often insufficient, and securing land for final disposal is getting more difficult. Waste Management

Clearly, city authorities should set policy directions aiming for resource efficient, recycle-based society if they are to provide a clean, healthy and pleasant living environment to its citizens for current and future generations. Although waste management responsibilities primarily lie with cities and municipalities, many of the successful cases in waste management involve a wide range of stakeholders in their implementation, as can be seen in the case studies cited here. This gives a clear message to cities and municipalities that they should not try to do everything by themselves. Rather, the key to success is to do what they are good at, and collaborate with other sectors in the society, such as private sector, communities and in some cases with the informal sector, in the interest of expanding waste management services and improving efficiency and effectiveness.Waste Management