Environmental Engineers Sound Alarm Over Nigeria's Waste Management Crisis
Environmental engineers have issued a stark warning that only 20 percent of Nigeria's waste is being properly managed, despite the nation generating approximately 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually. This alarming statistic was highlighted during the 15th inauguration ceremony of the national chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) held in Abuja, the federal capital territory.
Public Health and Economic Growth at Risk
The experts cautioned that this inadequate waste management situation poses significant threats to public health, economic growth, and Nigeria's long-term sustainability. According to reports from The Nation, environmental neglect has evolved from being merely an ecological concern to a critical national development challenge that requires immediate attention.
The event, themed "Engineering Sustainable Nigeria," brought together top engineers, government officials, and academics who emphasized the urgent need for engineering-led solutions to address the country's environmental crises.
Leadership Transition with Renewed Commitment
Engr. Nureni Adegboyega, the outgoing NIEE national chairman, described the ceremony as more than a routine leadership transition. He emphasized it represented a renewed dedication to sustainable engineering solutions for creating a better, healthier, and more resilient Nigeria.
"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," Adegboyega stated. "It is with confidence and optimism that I pass the baton to Engr. Caius Ikem Umekesiobi, the 15th National Chairman."
Interconnected Environmental Crises
In his inaugural speech, the new national chairman, Engr. Caius Umekesiobi, warned that Nigeria is confronting interconnected environmental crises affecting millions of citizens. He highlighted several urgent national challenges including:
- Flooding and climate-related disasters
- Poor waste management systems
- Weak recycling infrastructure
- Declining water quality
- Various forms of pollution
- Rising energy demand
- Ecosystem degradation
- Biodiversity loss
"These challenges are not abstract. They affect health, livelihoods and economic growth. They threaten our national development goals and the future generations," Umekesiobi emphasized.
Opportunity for Innovation and Leadership
Despite the significant risks, the new NIEE chairman described the situation as an opportunity for leadership and innovation within the engineering community. He stressed that environmental engineers must take the lead in defining Nigeria's sustainability trajectory through innovative approaches and solutions.
"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," Umekesiobi added, calling for collective action to address the nation's environmental challenges.
Fundamental Role of Environmental Impact Assessment
The concerns raised at the Abuja event echo earlier statements from environmental engineering experts across Nigeria. Engr. Azeez Agoro, the 6th chairman of the NIEE Lagos state chapter, had previously emphasized that environmental impact assessment (EIA) remains a fundamental pillar in ensuring sustainable development.
Agoro explained that engineering possesses the power to address the greatest challenges of every era, providing humanity with the necessary measures to enhance quality of life. He stressed that safety and regulatory compliance must be taken seriously, noting that environmental protection represents a shared responsibility among all stakeholders including government, industries, communities, and individuals.
The environmental engineers' warning comes at a critical time when Nigeria faces increasing pressure to address its waste management infrastructure and develop sustainable solutions that protect both public health and the environment for future generations.
