Waste and waste management in Nigeria
Only about 20-30% of solid waste in Nigeria is collected and managed correctly. As a consequence, some parts of the country are uninhabitable and serious health hazards such as Malaria spread more easily. Around 70% of the waste generated is plastic waste. Another important waste component comes from electronic devices. The large volume of plastic waste in Nigeria presents circular economic business opportunities across the plastic value chain, which should be properly harnessed for job and wealth creation, the establishment of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises, private sector investment including foreign direct investment FDI in addition to preventing/reducing plastic leakages to the environment.
First development of circular solutions in waste management
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is taking steps towards circular solutions. The challenges of transitioning to a circular economy in Nigeria are numerous and complex. Some of the key challenges include inadequate infrastructure, a lack of awareness, limited funding, a weak regulatory framework, and a lack of collaboration. As there is an abundancy of potential in the sector, Swiss companies of the waste management and recycling industry face interesting opportunities in Nigeria.
