Only 20% of Nigeria’s waste managed, engineers call for urgent reform

An excavator crushes trash at the Anchorage Landfill, Aug. 21. The landfill provides the methane that powers the newly constructed Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Landfill Gas Plant. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

Nigeria generates about 32 million tonnes of solid waste every year, yet only 20 per cent is properly managed, a situation environmental engineers say threatens public health, economic growth and the country’s long-term sustainability.

This warning formed the central message at the 15th inauguration of the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) held in Abuja, where experts stressed that Nigeria is at a critical turning point requiring urgent, engineering-led environmental solutions.

The inauguration, themed “Engineering Sustainable Nigeria,” brought together top engineers, government officials and academics who warned that environmental neglect is no longer just an ecological issue but a national development challenge.

Outgoing National Chairman, Engr. Nureni Adegboyega, described the ceremony as more than a routine leadership change, saying it marked a renewed commitment to sustainable engineering solutions.

“This ceremony represents not only a transition in leadership, but also a renewed dedication to the mission that binds us, engineering sustainable solutions for a better, healthier and more resilient Nigeria. It is with confidence and optimism that I pass the baton to Engr. Caius Ikem Umekesiobi, the 15th National Chairman,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Babagana Mohammed said sustainability must be treated as a national priority linked to economic growth, security and social stability.

“Sustainability is no longer just an environmental conversation. It now covers infrastructure resilience, water security, waste systems, renewable energy, climate adaptation and housing, all of which form the foundation of national prosperity,” he said, noting alignment with global Sustainable Development Goals and climate commitments.

Past President of NSE, Engr. Kashima Ali, highlighted the critical role environmental engineers play in protecting public health and preventing disasters.

He explained that environmental engineers design wastewater and municipal water systems, control air and water pollution, manage hazardous waste, and help prevent waterborne diseases by improving sanitation in both urban and rural communities.

According to him, they also evaluate environmental risks of construction and industrial projects and help enforce environmental regulations to prevent accidents and ecological damage.

In his inaugural speech, the new National Chairman, Engr. Caius Umekesiobi, warned that Nigeria is facing interconnected environmental crises that directly affect millions of citizens.

He listed flooding, climate-related disasters, poor waste management, weak recycling systems, declining water quality, pollution, rising energy demand, ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss as urgent national challenges.

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“These challenges are not abstract. They affect health, livelihoods and economic growth. They threaten our national development goals and the future of coming generations,” Umekesiobi said.

Despite the risks, he described the situation as an opportunity for innovation and leadership.

“Environmental engineers must innovate, lead and define Nigeria’s sustainability trajectory. Our mission is to engineer sustainable development and create a healthier environment for the country,” he added.

Among dignitaries present was Hon. Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside academics and engineering leaders including Prof. Toochukwu C. Ogwueleka of the University of Abuja.

The gathering emphasised stronger collaboration between government, engineers and institutions to tackle environmental threats through science, policy and infrastructure development.

With rapid urbanisation, climate pressure and weak waste systems, experts say Nigeria’s environmental crisis could worsen without urgent reforms. Engineers at the event called for modern recycling systems, improved water management, renewable energy investment, climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger environmental enforcement.

As Nigeria confronts rising environmental risks, the message from Abuja was clear: engineering innovation and scientific planning will determine whether the country secures a sustainable future or faces deepening environmental and public health challenges