The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is set to host a groundbreaking seminar aimed at addressing Nigeria’s escalating waste management crisis, with a focus on the country’s staggering 32 million tonnes of waste produced every year. The event, scheduled for later this month, will bring together experts, policymakers, environmentalists, and industry leaders to explore innovative solutions to one of Nigeria’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The seminar, titled “Managing Waste, Securing the Future: Sustainable Solutions for Nigeria’s 32 Million Tonnes of Annual Waste,” will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at fostering collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities. With Nigeria’s population rapidly growing and urbanization intensifying, waste management has become a critical issue for the country, especially in large cities like Lagos, which struggles with inadequate infrastructure and limited recycling initiatives.
Dr. Adebayo Adedeji, the lead organizer of the seminar and a professor at UNILAG’s Department of Environmental Science, stressed the urgency of the issue in a recent statement:
“Nigeria’s waste problem is not just about the mountains of refuse piling up in our streets; it’s about the long-term environmental and health risks associated with poor waste management practices. If we do not take immediate and strategic action, we risk exacerbating the already dire consequences of pollution, public health crises, and climate change.”
The 32 million tonnes of waste generated annually in Nigeria consist of various materials, including plastics, food waste, electronic waste, and industrial by-products. However, less than 10% of this waste is recycled, leaving the rest to accumulate in landfills, waterways, and streets. The seminar aims to address the root causes of this waste crisis, including inadequate waste collection systems, limited recycling infrastructure, and a lack of public awareness about the environmental impact of improper waste disposal.
One of the key topics of the seminar will be the role of innovative technologies in waste management. Experts will discuss emerging solutions such as waste-to-energy technologies, advanced recycling methods, and the use of AI for waste tracking and management. Additionally, there will be a focus on policy recommendations to improve waste management systems and promote circular economies that reduce waste generation and encourage sustainable practices.
Lagos State, home to over 20 million people, has long struggled with waste management issues, with overflowing landfills and illegal dumping sites contributing to environmental degradation. The state government has made efforts to address the problem through initiatives like the Cleaner Lagos Initiative, but challenges persist.
International organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have expressed support for the seminar, recognizing Nigeria’s waste management challenges as part of a broader global issue of sustainable urban development. UNEP has been working with local governments and NGOs in Nigeria to promote better waste management practices and reduce the environmental impact of waste.
The seminar will also explore the role of citizens in addressing the waste crisis. Participants will discuss strategies for encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their waste, including initiatives like community clean-up programs, waste segregation at the source, and educational campaigns to promote recycling.
The event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including government officials, corporate partners, NGOs, environmental activists, and students from various universities across Nigeria. The goal is not only to raise awareness but also to spark concrete actions that can help reduce Nigeria’s waste burden and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.
With the country’s waste problem reaching critical levels, experts hope that the seminar will serve as a catalyst for positive change, urging all sectors of society to take collective action toward a more sustainable future.
source: businessday.ng
