World Cleanup Day: A Call to Address Mismanaged Waste
First published in my column on naturenews.africa
The World Cleanup Day is an annual event observed annually on the third Saturday of September — so this year’s edition is tomorrow. The significance of the day has never been more critical. The event is not just about picking up trash; it’s a movement aimed at inspiring lasting societal change in how we view and manage waste. The 2024 campaign, “Make Room for Life,” calls on individuals, organizations, and communities to unite in the fight against mismanaged waste, focusing on creating spaces where life can thrive free from pollution. Nowhere is this mission more crucial than in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where the mismanagement of waste is an escalating crisis with dire consequences for public health, the environment, and economic stability.
As we approach World Cleanup Day 2024, the mounting waste management crisis in Nigeria demands urgent attention. With over 200 million people and rapid urbanization, Nigeria generates more than 32 million tonnes of solid waste each year. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of this waste is properly managed or recycled. The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners reported that Lagos alone generates between 13,000 and 15,000 metric tonnes of waste equivalent to about 490 trailer loads daily, with each Lagosian generating an average of 1.2kg/day, a figure environment researchers have predicted to rise to 1.4kg in the next 15 years. The effects of this are stark: overflowing dumpsites, blocked drainage systems, and waterways clogged with plastic. The time to act is now.
However, the problem extends far beyond Lagos. Across many African cities, waste management systems are either non-existent, underfunded, or poorly regulated. Open dumping is the most common method of waste disposal, often occurring near residential areas. This improper disposal is not just an eyesore but a severe public health hazard, contributing to disease spread, environmental pollution, and social inequality. The World Cleanup Day, officially recognized by the United Nations, aims to inspire global action against the waste crisis, with a special focus on countries like Nigeria and India whose population and waste generation levels has made them a part of the hardest hit countries globally.
Mismanaged waste in Nigeria and Africa has severe health, environmental, and economic consequences. Open dumping and burning release toxins that increase respiratory diseases and worsen flooding, leading to waterborne illnesses. Plastic pollution harms ecosystems and water supplies, while the economic burden includes costs of disease treatment, flood cleanup, and hindered development. The growing urgency surrounding this crisis cannot be overstated. According to the World Bank, global waste generation is projected to increase by 70% by 2050. This projection places low- and middle-income countries, like Nigeria, at significant risk. The scale of the problem is such that, without decisive action, it will only deepen environmental degradation, endanger public health, and stymie economic development.
While Nigeria grapples with the waste crisis, other African nations have successfully tackled similar challenges. Rwanda stands out with its monthly Umuganda initiative — a national cleanup day held on the last Saturday of each month, where citizens come together to clean their communities, plant trees, and address local issues. Participation in Umuganda is mandatory, with fines imposed on those who do not partake.
Umuganda has contributed to making Rwanda one of the cleanest countries in Africa. More than just a physical cleanup, Umuganda fosters a sense of community and civic responsibility. In many villages, an additional hour is dedicated to discussing community concerns, encouraging problem-solving and dialogue. This model of collective responsibility and environmental stewardship could serve as a blueprint for other African nations, including Nigeria. By integrating waste management with community engagement, Rwanda has cultivated a culture of accountability and pride in maintaining public spaces.
Nigeria’s waste management crisis demands a comprehensive approach that combines infrastructure improvements, community engagement, education, and policy enforcement. And we and other nations around the world can get inspiration from Rwanda’s successful cleanup model. Rwanda is renowned for its cleanliness, and this reputation is largely due to Umuganda, a national cleanup day held on the last Saturday of every month. Umuganda is not a volunteer project; it is mandatory, with police monitoring participation and fines imposed on those who do not contribute. This initiative goes beyond mere waste collection. It serves as a time for communities to come together, instil national pride, and address local issues, creating an environment where physical cleanliness is intertwined with social cohesion and problem-solving. Travellers to Rwanda are thoroughly screened to ensure they bring no form of plastic into the country. Also, plastic bags has been replaced with papers across supermarkets and stores in the country. This Rwandan model exemplifies the importance of collective responsibility in managing waste and fostering a sense of ownership over communal spaces.
It’s not as if those in charge don’t know what to do to tackle our waste management problem in Nigeria. But I will repeat these four essential strategies for emphasis’s sake.
Strengthen Waste Collection and Infrastructure: The lack of proper waste collection and disposal infrastructure, particularly in informal settlements and rural areas, hampers effective waste management. Expanding waste collection services, improving transportation, and upgrading landfills are crucial. Public-private partnerships could help finance these improvements, reduce the burden on municipal authorities, and create economic opportunities within the waste sector.
Promote Recycling and Circular Economy Initiatives: Recycling is vital for reducing waste, but Nigeria’s recycling rates are low. A national campaign promoting recycling and the circular economy — where waste is turned into valuable resources — is necessary. Governments can support this by offering incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies for businesses adopting sustainable practices. Public awareness efforts are also needed to educate citizens on the importance of recycling and proper waste disposal.
Raise Public Awareness and Education: Changing public behaviour is key to successful waste management. Many Nigerians are unaware of the health risks and environmental impacts of improper waste disposal. Education programs focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and environmental stewardship should be implemented. Schools should incorporate sustainability lessons into curriculums, and community leaders should promote responsible waste practices locally.
Strengthen Policies and Enforcement: Effective waste management requires strong regulations and enforcement. In Nigeria, waste management laws are often poorly implemented, allowing harmful practices like illegal dumping to persist. The government must strengthen these laws, increase funding for waste agencies, and ensure accountability for individuals and businesses in their waste disposal practices.
As World Cleanup Day 2024 approaches, it is clear that the waste management crisis in Nigeria and across Africa requires immediate and sustained action. The theme for 2024, “Make Room for Life,” reflects the urgent need to reclaim spaces from pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
Drawing on the success of Rwanda’s Umuganda initiative and the global momentum behind World Cleanup Day, there is a unique opportunity to catalyze lasting change in how we manage waste. By improving infrastructure, engaging communities, promoting education, and enforcing stronger policies, Nigeria can address its waste management challenges and work toward a cleaner, healthier future.
World Cleanup Day serves as a reminder that we are not powerless in the face of the waste crisis. By participating in this global movement, we can make a difference — not just for one day, but for the future of our planet. I therefore urge you to come together on September 20th, to take action for a cleaner and healthier world.
