Urban development and wastes management systems in Lagos State, Nigeria

The disposal of wastes with its adverse effects on societal wellbeing has been of utmost concern especially in the context of environmental sustainability. Urban centres play key roles as drivers of regional economies and economic development. They constitute the major centres of jobs, businesses, higher educational institutions, innovation and entrepreneurship. Lagos is the largest urban agglomeration in sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of about 18 million people. Her population is growing at 5-10% per annum, and by 2020 may be the third largest city in the world. The problem of solid waste management has become one of the most serious environmental problems confronting many cities in Nigeria, including Lagos. In recent years, there has been a phenomenal increase in the volume of wastes generated daily in the country. 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 households, markets, shopping and business centres. This is due to a number of reasons including, the increasing population growth rate, increasing urbanization, industrialization and economic growth. Solid waste management in the country is characterized by inefficient collection methods, insufficient coverage of the collection system and improper disposal of solid waste. This myriad of deficiencies in solid waste management ultimately leads to deterioration of the ecosystem. This paper reviews the phenomenon of waste management in Lagos state and suggests strategies for efficient solid waste management in the state.