IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (IJGEM )

E-ISSN 2504-8821
P-ISSN 2695-1878
VOL. 11 NO. 6 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijgem.vol.11.no6.2025.pg12.24

---

Impact of Solid Waste Disposal in Calabar Metropolis of Cross River State

Ushie Patrick Ojim, Fidelis Ishoja and Agartha SandraIjeoma Oha

---

Abstract

Solid waste disposal remains a critical environmental challenge in many urban centres of Nigeria, including Calabar Metropolis in Cross River State. This study investigates the environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of improper solid waste disposal in the metropolis. Using a mixed-methods approach involving field surveys, interviews, and analysis of secondary data, the research reveals that indiscriminate dumping, inadequate waste collection infrastructure, and weak enforcement of environmental regulations contribute significantly to environmental degradation, blocked drainage systems, and increased incidence of vector-borne diseases. The findings also highlight the adverse effects on local livelihoods, property values, and overall urban aesthetics. The study recommends the implementation of an integrated solid waste management system, increased public awareness, and stronger institutional frameworks to promote sustainable waste practices. Addressing these challenges is vital for improving public health, environmental quality, and the liveability of Calabar Metropolis.

keywords:

Solid waste disposal, Environmental impact, Public health, Calabar metropolis,

---

References:

Abila, B., & Kantola, J. (2020). Municipal solid waste management problems in Nigeria:
Evolving knowledge management solutions. International Journal of Environmental
Science and Technology, 17(3), 1345–1358.
Adelekan, B. A., & Jerome, A. T. (2020). Urban environmental health and waste recovery in
Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Health Research, 19(2), 100–113.
Adejobi, A. O., & Oloruntoba, E. O. (2021). Urban Solid Waste Management in Nigeria:
Challenges and Prospects. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(1), 45–56.
Adelekan, B. A., & Jerome, A. T. (2020). Environmental Health Implications of Waste
Mismanagement in Nigeria. African Journal of Environmental Health, 18(2), 90–103.
Adedayo, A. A., & Ogunbiyi, T. A. (2023). Urban Environmental Health and Waste
Management Challenges in Nigeria. African Journal of Environmental Science and
Technology, 17(1), 23–34.
Ajani, E. N., & Medayese, S. O. (2021). Participatory Environmental Governance in Nigeria:
A Review of Stakeholder Roles in Urban Waste Management. Journal of Public
Administration and Development Alternatives, 6(1), 23–38.
Akinbile, C. O., & Alabi, B. S. (2022). Integrated Waste Management Strategies for Urban
Sustainability in Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Management and Planning, 26(4),
112–125.
Ezeudu, O. B., Ezeudu, T. S., & Agbo, C. (2021). Stakeholder Participation in Solid Waste
Management in Nigerian Cities: A Pathway to Sustainability. Waste Management &
Research, 39(7), 922–931.
Hoornweg, D., & Bhada-Tata, P. (2018). What a Waste: A Global Review of Solid Waste
Management. Urban Development Series, World Bank.
Kaza, S., Yao, L., Bhada-Tata, P., & Van Woerden, F. (2018). What a Waste 2.0: A Global
Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050. World Bank.
Nwachukwu, M. A., Olanrewaju, M. O., & Adeoye, S. A. (2022). Municipal Waste
Infrastructure Deficiencies in Nigeria: The Case of Urban Slums. Journal of Urban and
Regional Planning, 18(3), 44–58.
Okechukwu, O., & Olufunke, A. (2020). Informal waste workers and health risks in Nigerian
cities. African Journal of Environmental Health, 12(1), 45–58.
Ogbonna, D. N., Amangabara, G. T., & Ekere, T. O. (2019). Urban solid waste generation in
Port Harcourt and its implications for waste management. International Journal of
Environmental Science, 14(3), 244–253.
Ogbonna, D. N., & Ekere, T. O. (2020). Community-based waste management systems in
Nigeria: Case studies from Abuja and Lagos. African Journal of Environmental
Sustainability, 8(1), 65–72.
Ogbonna, D. N., Amangabara, G. T., & Ekere, T. O. (2020). Environmental Consequences of
Solid Waste Dumping in Urban Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Environmental Sciences,
9(1), 55–67.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2022). State of Waste Management in
Africa: Policy Challenges and Innovations. Nairobi: UNEP Publications.
UNEP. (2021). Sustainable Waste Management Practices in Africa: Policy and Implementation
Guidelines. Nairobi: United Nations Environment Programme.
UN-Habitat. (2022). Circular Economy and Waste Management Innovations in Africa.
Nairobi: United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
UNEP. (2021). the Role of Citizens in Sustainable Waste Management. Nairobi: United
Nations Environment Programme.
UN-Habitat. (2022). Waste Wise Cities Programme: Implementation Experiences in Global
South Cities. Nairobi: United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
IIARD International Journal of Geography & Environmental Management
Vol. 11 No. 6 2025 E-ISSN 2504-8821 P-ISSN 2695-1878 www.iiardjournals.org online version
IIARD – International Institute of Academic Research and Development
Page 24
UNEP. (2019). Waste Management Outlook for Africa. United Nations Environment
Programme, Nairobi.
UN-Habitat. (2021). Waste Wise Cities Tool: Tool for Rapid Assessment of Waste
Management. Nairobi: United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
World Bank. (2020). Managing Waste in Developing Countries: A Resource Book.
Washington, DC: World Bank Group.
WECF. (2021). Community-Driven Waste Management: Case Studies from Africa and Asia.
Munich: Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF) International.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Health and the Environment: Managing Health
Risks from Urban Waste. Geneva: WHO Press.

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back