An Assessment of the Perception of Environmental Sanitation and Solid Waste Manegement Service Delivery in AMAC, Abuja, Central Nigeria

Abstract

The study assesses the perception of environmental sanitation and solid waste management service delivery in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abuja. A total of 1,056 structured questionnaires were randomly distributed to obtain information from respondents. This was complemented by oral interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including staff of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and household heads. Simple descriptive statistics were used for the presentation and analysis of the data collected. The findings indicate that socio-economic characteristics such as income level and educational attainment significantly influence the quantity of waste generated. Interviews with AEPB staff revealed that the agency is primarily responsible for the collection, transportation, and disposal of waste at approved government sites, while informal waste collectors focus mainly on recyclable materials, often leaving non-recyclable waste unattended for extended periods. The study recommends waste reduction and prevention at source, landfill minimization through investment in advanced waste management technologies, and the adoption of innovative waste collection systems that utilize digital platforms to optimize collection routes, track waste generation, and monitor recycling rates. It further advocates for aggressive public awareness and education campaigns targeting communities, schools, and businesses to promote best practices in waste management and encourage responsible disposal. These measures can foster a culture of sustainability and empower individuals to actively participate in waste reduction and management efforts.