The neglect of our environment is alarming; one would think that the negative effects from this neglect serve as a deterrent to cause us to turn our attention to catering for our environment, but sadly, it is not the case. As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the vital role our environment plays in our survival. But the truth is, the well-being of our physical environment directly impacts our own well-being. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all rely on a healthy environment. That’s why it is crucial we prioritize its protection.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to do this is through proper waste management. Unfortunately, Nigeria is facing a waste management crisis. The recent flooding in parts of the country, which displaced thousands of people, destroyed homes and businesses, and compromised public health, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting waste management.

According to the World Bank, 65 per cent of Nigerian households lack access to proper waste management. This means that millions of people are forced to live amidst filth and pollution, with serious consequences for their health and livelihoods. Furthermore, 40 per cent of Nigeria’s water pollution is attributed to improper waste disposal, as reported by the Federal Ministry of Environment.

The consequences of improper waste management are far-reaching. It contributes to food insecurity, natural disasters, and the spread of diseases. In Nigeria, the impact is felt across generations. Children grow up in environments where pollution and waste are the norm, compromising their health and future. Communities are ravaged by flooding and pollution, destroying livelihoods and displacing families.

When topics like this are raised, we often are quick to point out the failure on the part of the government to maintain a clean and healthy environment for its citizens. While that is true, let’s first ask ourselves how much we, as individuals, have done to keep our environments clean. When was the last time you properly disposed of waste after consuming snacks, food, or fruits? Did you hold on to the waste until you found a waste bin and dumped it in or did you just fling it carelessly? As a business owner, did you provide a waste bin within your premises for people to use?

The reality is that the little actions we fail to take now may result in problems that little actions cannot solve. The act of taking your waste and dumping it properly, rather than just flinging it, may seem little, but imagine if we all did just that and taught our children to do the same?

Proper waste management offers numerous benefits. It reduces environmental pollution, improves public health, enhances food security, and creates economic opportunities through recycling. Waste bins are a fundamental component of effective waste management. Their absence in public and private institutions perpetuates indiscriminate dumping.

To address this, there is a need for the necessary agencies to create awareness about the need to dump waste properly. Public and private institutions must provide waste bins within their premises. Parents and teachers should instill a culture of proper waste disposal in children in schools and at homes. Waste management agencies should implement regulations against indiscriminate dumping of waste with sanctions for defaulters.

The weekly general compulsory sanitation exercise that is held every weekend should be brought back. Government initiatives should promote policies supporting proper waste management. Community engagement through clean-up initiatives and awareness campaigns is also crucial. Education plays a vital role. Waste management should be integrated into school curricula to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.

Recently, the Edo State government launched a recycling site in Benin City where people can take their non-biodegradable waste and get monetary incentives for it, thereby reducing waste in circulation while generating income. Other states across the country can replicate this in their various states. Plastic waste recycling can employ thousands, and recycled materials can be used in construction and manufacturing. According to the Nigerian Recycling Industry Association, recycling can generate up to 10 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP.

Individuals can also make a difference. Simple actions such as segregating waste at home, using reusable bags and containers, avoiding single-use plastics, and participating in community clean-ups can collectively create significant positive change.

Moreover, technology can aid waste management. Innovative solutions such as waste-to-energy conversion, smart waste bins, and mobile apps for waste tracking can enhance efficiency and effectiveness and should be considered by the government.

The government must also prioritize waste management. Policies and regulations should encourage private sector investment in waste management, provide incentives for recycling and proper waste disposal, establish standards for waste management practices, and support research and development in waste management technologies.

Protecting our environment through proper waste management is not just a moral obligation; it’s a necessity. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our planet.