Sustainable Waste Management in Nigerian Construction: Overcoming the Challenges

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A recent study on the adoption of sustainable waste management practices in Nigerian construction firms has uncovered a variety of challenges hindering its effective implementation.
According to reports, the construction industry in the country is a significant polluter and a major consumer of non-renewable resources. This has undoubtedly led to the depletion of natural resources, excessive land use, and increased air pollution, among other consequences.

However, research conducted by a registered quantity surveyor working with a leading UK consultancy firm, Eniola Akintunde, identified the major challenges mitigating against sustainable waste management practices within Nigerian construction firms. Akintunde has dedicated her career to advancing innovative and eco-friendly practices in construction. Her extensive experience with digital technology, including artificial intelligence and Building Information Modeling (BIM), has positioned her as a leader in promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

“While some organizations exhibit varying levels of awareness and practice, the industry overall shows a low level of awareness regarding sustainable waste management. Key challenges identified include a lack of awareness among employees, inadequate recycling facilities, high investment costs, resistance to change, insufficient government support and incentives, lack of comprehensive data and information, logistical issues in waste management, and the complexities of managing difficult waste materials,” the study partly read.

Nigeria has environmental regulations in place, but inconsistent enforcement of these laws significantly hampers progress. In many cases, construction firms do not adhere to regulations regarding waste disposal due to weak penalties and corruption, which undermines efforts to ensure sustainable practices. Additionally, recycling infrastructure is severely underdeveloped in many parts of the country, particularly in rural or semi-urban areas. This lack of facilities forces construction companies to rely on landfills or illegal dumping, contributing to environmental degradation and resource wastage.
Cultural barriers also play a role. There is often a perception that sustainable practices are a luxury, not a necessity, within the construction industry. Many stakeholders view sustainability initiatives as an unnecessary expense, leading to low levels of adoption. Changing these attitudes will require targeted educational programs and awareness campaigns. Furthermore, waste management in Nigeria is often disorganized, with poorly coordinated collection systems that complicate the segregation and disposal of construction waste. The inefficiency of waste collection systems results in materials that could be recycled or reused ending up in landfills.

Finally, many construction workers lack the skills and knowledge needed to effectively implement sustainable waste management practices. Without comprehensive training programs, employees may struggle to adopt the necessary practices, further inhibiting progress in the sector.
The study added that overcoming these barriers was crucial for the effective adoption of sustainable waste management practices in Nigeria’s construction sector.

According to the study, poor resource and waste management considerably increases the overall costs of construction projects.
It added, “Inefficient management of resources and waste, therefore, significantly elevates the total costs of construction projects. Sustainable Waste Management (SWM) is integral to advancing the circular economy—a framework designed to support economic growth while conserving finite resources. This approach contrasts sharply with the traditional linear model of extracting, producing, and discarding materials. SWM not only addresses broader systemic issues inherent in a consumption-driven culture but also provides more immediate solutions to the waste problem.”

“The insights gained from this research are invaluable for policymakers, construction firms, and other stakeholders, offering guidance on promoting sustainable waste management practices and mitigating the negative environmental impacts of construction waste,” the study added.