Waste Management Needs Serious Attention
Waste management is becoming an urgent issue around the world. Many countries struggle to handle the growing amount of municipal solid waste safely. Nigeria is among those countries facing this challenge. Despite efforts to create a cleaner capital city, many areas, like Nyanya, Karu, and parts of the metropolis such as Wuse and Jabi, are still plagued by litter.
According to the World Health Organization’s December 2025 report, titled “Throwing Away Our Health,” poor waste management is creating a public health crisis. Dr. Ruediger Krech from WHO points out that how we produce and handle waste reflects our care for people and the environment. If we ignore waste management, we risk unwanted health issues, environmental harm, and social inequities.
The report discusses how solid waste, particularly municipal waste, harms health through pollution affecting air, water, soil, and food. Not collecting waste properly, or mishandling it, can release dangerous chemicals. This puts communities without proper waste services, especially near dumpsites or incinerators, at risk. Vulnerable groups, like children, pregnant women, and informal waste workers, are most affected.
For the water and sanitation community, effective waste management is crucial for building climate-resilient systems. Unfortunately, much waste remains uncollected or disposed of improperly, causing environmental damage and hindering efforts to create healthy urban spaces.
However, managing waste correctly can turn it into a valuable resource. The WHO report emphasizes a need for a coordinated approach to waste. This involves preventing waste generation, reusing, and recycling. Governments should focus on reducing waste at the source, enhancing waste collection services, and eliminating harmful practices like open dumping.
The health sector plays a vital role in tackling waste as a health threat. They can help prevent waste at its source, improve safe treatment methods, and push for policies that protect public health. Investing in cleaner technologies and increasing research are also essential steps to build a stronger evidence base.
Interestingly, the perception of waste is shifting. It’s increasingly seen as a resource with economic value. Recycling encourages job creation and attracts private investments, protecting the environment in the process. Many experts now advocate for a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled, offering significant economic benefits while minimizing environmental impact.
Right now, cities like Lagos and Abuja need to take immediate action to improve waste management. With a collective approach, they can create healthier communities and a cleaner environment for everyone.
