Solid Waste Management and Urban Sustainability in Jos Metropolis: An Empirical Assessment

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Nigerian cities has intensified the challenge of solid waste management, posing significant threats to environmental quality, public health, and urban sustainability. This study empirically examines solid waste management practices and their implications for urban sustainability in selected areas in Jos metropolis. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 398 respondents using structured questionnaires complemented by field observations. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed to analyze waste generation patterns, disposal methods, service performance, institutional roles, and perceived environmental and socio-economic impacts. The findings reveal a predominance of unsustainable waste disposal practices, with open dumping identified as the most common method, while formal waste collection services remain inadequate in coverage, frequency, and efficiency. Performance assessments indicate poor service delivery, particularly in high-density and low-income areas. The study further demonstrates that ineffective solid waste management contributes to environmental pollution, urban flooding, disease outbreaks, declining urban aesthetics, and economic losses. Institutional analysis shows that government agencies are primarily responsible for waste management but are constrained by weak enforcement, limited funding, and poor coordination with private contractors. Community participation in waste management is generally low, reflecting gaps in environmental awareness and incentive structures. The study concludes that solid waste management remains a critical barrier to achieving urban sustainability in Nigerian cities. It recommends strengthening institutional capacity, improving service delivery, promoting waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and enhancing community participation through public awareness and stakeholder collaboration. These measures are essential for improving environmental quality, safeguarding public health, and fostering sustainable urban development in Nigeria.