Sustainable Waste Management in North-Eastern Nigeria: An Integrated Approach

Rapid urbanisation in low-income sub-Saharan African cities has aggravated solid waste management challenges, resulting in unregulated disposal, open burning, and public health risks. This study, guided by the Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) framework and the principles of the Circular Economy (CE), examines solid waste management practices in Damaturu, Maiduguri, and Potiskum. It employs a mixed-methods approach that combines household surveys (n = 500), stakeholder interviews (n = 30), and field observations. The study addresses the research gap concerning the lack of empirical data from economically challenged Nigerian cities that integrate Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) with Circular Economy (CE) principles, while also considering socio-political, gender, and economic factors. The statistical analyses utilised include descriptive statistics, chi-square testing, logistic regression, and cost-benefit analysis. Findings indicate that 85% of households depend on open dumping or burning, while only 15% utilise formal services; 68% were unaware of the associated health hazards, although 60% expressed a willingness to invest in improvements. Education (OR=2.15) and income (OR=1.74) were predictors of investment willingness. The cost–benefit analysis confirms that awareness activities, public–private partnerships (PPPs), and community recycling efforts are both technically feasible and socioeconomically beneficial. The paper provides unique evidence-based policy suggestions specifically designed for low-income, conflict-affected metropolitan areas in Nigeria.