Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Solid waste management is a critical issue in Nigeria due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrialization. Landfills are the most commonly used method for solid waste disposal in the country. However, the impact of these landfills on the environment and public health is a growing concern. This research aims to investigate the impact of solid waste landfills in Nigeria, focusing on environmental pollution, public health risks, and sustainable waste management practices. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews and observations. Quantitative data will be collected through field surveys to assess the composition and volume of solid waste in selected landfills across different regions in Nigeria. The data will be analyzed to determine the types of waste being disposed of, the rate of waste generation, and the effectiveness of current landfill management practices. Qualitative data will be gathered through interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, waste management experts, and local community members living near landfills. These interviews will provide insights into the environmental and health impacts of landfills, as well as perceptions of waste management policies and practices in Nigeria. Observations of landfill sites will also be conducted to assess the physical conditions of the landfills and the surrounding areas. The findings of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of solid waste landfills in Nigeria and provide recommendations for improving waste management practices. It is expected that the study will highlight the need for stricter regulations, increased public awareness, and the adoption of sustainable waste management strategies to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with landfills. By addressing these issues, the research aims to support the development of more effective waste management policies and practices in Nigeria, leading to a cleaner environment and healthier communities. Overall, this research will help to raise awareness of the challenges posed by solid waste landfills in Nigeria and promote sustainable solutions to address these issues. By examining the environmental and health impacts of landfills and exploring ways to improve waste management practices, the study aims to contribute to a more sustainable future for solid 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.