The United Nations has expressed concern over Nigeria’s escalating waste generation, News About Nigeria reports.
During a one-day training session on the Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT) held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Mercy Achieng Odhiambo, the UN-Habitat representative, stated that a significant portion of this waste remains uncollected, cluttering open spaces and drainages.
The training, themed “Capacity Building for Effective Municipal Solid Waste Management,” was organised by the State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the African Clean Cities Platform and Waste Wise Cities.
Odhiambo spoke on the existential threat that trash growth poses, noting that waste contains dangerous substances that worsen the ecosystem.
She warned that poor waste management has exacerbated flooding and sanitation-related diseases across Nigeria, urging all levels of government to implement effective waste management practices.
Odhiambo stated that the training aims to equip Environmental Officers with skills to assess waste generation, identify key stakeholders in waste recovery, and develop data-driven strategies for improved waste management.
UN Technical Support Officer Mr. Akin Tobi, stressed the importance of quality data for managing waste in Ekiti State.
He noted that Ado-Ekiti, along with two other African cities, received support in June for the clean city initiative, including training on measuring waste generation.
“This is a do-it-yourself programme,” Tobi stated, stressing the need for accurate data to drive waste management efforts.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, pointed out the critical role of effective waste management in maintaining a habitable environment.
She reiterated the commitment of the Governor Oyebanji-led administration to waste management, including the strategic placement of waste bins throughout Ado-Ekiti to facilitate proper waste disposal and collection.
