An Assessment of Open Dumps and Landfill Management in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria- Using Scotland as a Case Study for Structural Development

Abstract

Environmental pollution resulting from improper waste collection and disposal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is becoming a cause for concern; and with an alarming population growth rate of 9.3% per annum, continued degradation of the environment is inevitable unless a well-structured sustainable waste management system is adopted. Being the capital of the most populous nation in Africa, it is of great importance that the FCT becomes a model city not just for the benefit of the population but also to create a sustainable conducive environment. This research was undertaken to assess and analyse the state of waste management in the FCT and propose engineered landfilling using the UK (Scotland) as a model/benchmark. The study reveals that in the FCT there are no organized well engineered landfill sites on ground that are equipped with liner systems and infrastructure to detect, extract and treat/refine leachate or landfill gas. The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) which is the agency responsible for the control, removal and disposal of solid and liquid waste, lacks an established system for segregation and recycling of waste. Although Waste incineration is quite common in the FCT, it is unfortunately not done in a properly controlled environment like that of Scotland, the case study area. It is often done by scavengers and local residents, and when it is carried out by AEPB, it is done haphazardly. This poses a huge environmental, human health and safety risk. This paper therefore recommends that the government should explore the option of developing the current infrastructure to improve collection, segregation and disposal of waste, incorporate in its plans the construction of well-engineered landfill site(s) as well as recycling and utilizing waste as an alternative source of energy. This will enhance efficient waste management, reduce the adverse effects of the current inefficient disposal methods on the environment, strengthen economic development as well as reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Keywords: Landfill management, waste, AEPB, SEPA and Environment,