Damaturu (Nigeria): Dr Saleh Anka, a consultant on Yobe’s waste management study, reports that Damaturu generates approximately 62.1 tonnes of waste daily.
During the event, Anka disclosed this information at a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the state Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) project in Damaturu on Wednesday.
He said rapid urbanisation, population growth, and displacement create significant urban, environmental, and public health challenges.
The consultant highlighted numerous economic opportunities in waste management through recycling.
In response to these opportunities, the state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Karasuwa, reaffirmed the Mai Mala Buni administration’s commitment to transforming “waste into wealth.”
He stressed that effective solid waste management is vital to public health and urged private sector involvement.
Karasuwa charged SOLID with liaising with critical stakeholders and developing a solid waste policy document for the state government’s consideration.
Mr Dauda Suleiman, SOLID’s state coordinator, said the assessment aimed to address gaps in waste collection, transport, and safe disposal.
He noted the study lays a foundation to strengthen institutional capacity, improve service delivery, and ensure basic service access for internally displaced persons and host communities.
Suleiman listed key recommendations of the study, including policy and regulatory reforms, institutional strengthening, expansion of waste collection services, development of engineered landfills and transfer infrastructure, and the introduction of resource recovery and circular economy systems.
He expressed optimism that the reforms would boost waste collection to over 85% of households, create over 200 jobs, and promote sustainability.
The high-level engagement brought together critical stakeholders, who, after hearing the recommendations, commended the state government for a proactive approach and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the implementation of the proposed reforms.