Lagos Takes Aim at Waste - Can City Become a Recycling Leader?

Nigeria, like many other Sub-Saharan African countries, has a waste management problem. The Nigerian National Municipal Waste Management Policy (2020) gives no estimate but states that "Nigeria produces a large volume of solid waste out of which less than 20% is collected through a formal system", reports Kehinde Allen-Taylor for The Conversation Africa.

Waste management in Lagos is a major challenge. The city generates a lot of waste, but only a small percentage of it is collected and recycled. This is due to a number of factors, including a lack of awareness, poor infrastructure, and inadequate funding.

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority has taken some steps to improve waste management, but more needs to be done. The authority needs to identify the most appropriate waste streams for different income levels and implement a pay-as-you-throw system. Street sweepers and waste pickers should also be made by city employees, and dumpsites should be upgraded to landfills.

With proper planning and implementation, Lagos can improve its waste management system and reduce the environmental and health risks associated with waste disposal.