Lagos:The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) is calling for enhanced technology, stronger regulation, and increased citizen involvement to transform the country’s waste management system. This appeal follows a 10-day technical study tour in Bavaria, Germany, led by AWAMN’s National President, Dr. Olugbenga Adebola.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the study tour, which took place from September 19 to September 26 in Nuremberg, was funded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy and coordinated by Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (bbw) GmbH in partnership with AWAMN.
Dr. Adebola explained that the delegation examined systems where waste, wastewater, and energy were treated as resources through regulation, technology, and public participation. While emphasizing that Nigeria should adapt these principles to suit local conditions, he stated, “Waste is not waste unless you waste it. Don’t waste your waste; it is a resource.”
The delegation visited various companies and facilities to explore wastewater treatment, water treatment, sludge management, digital monitoring, and municipal waste management. A notable visit to Klara GmbH highlighted the potential of decentralized wastewater treatment plants for communities lacking central sewage systems. Such systems could be beneficial for developments in Lagos and Abuja, reducing reliance on septic tanks that might contaminate groundwater.
At Clearfield PPU Water Systems, the group examined water treatment and pipe systems designed to lower energy consumption. Dr. Adebola noted that these technologies could be adapted for coastal communities, and local manufacturing could create business opportunities in Nigeria.
The visit to UTP Umwelttechnik P¶hnl GmbH showcased converting sewage sludge into dried pellets for cement production. Dr. Adebola suggested potential partnerships in Nigeria between wastewater authorities and cement manufacturers to use treated sludge as an energy resource.
FlowChief GmbH’s digital systems for monitoring sewage flows and waste collection were also reviewed, with similar technology proposed to enhance waste management efficiency and cost-effectiveness in Nigeria.
Dr. Adebola highlighted the importance of converting Nigerian wastewater facilities into resource recovery centers, drawing from the experiences at the Kl¤rwerk 1 Nuremberg and Freystadt sewage treatment plants that generate electricity from biogas and recover resources like phosphorus.
In terms of municipal waste management, the delegation learned about waste segregation and landfill management strategies in Erlangen, supported by public participation. Dr. Adebola urged Nigeria to adopt source segregation and develop facilities to recover materials and treat landfill byproducts.
The group also visited HUBER SE, examining equipment for screening and sludge drying, and a youth-led initiative in Augsburg converting organic waste into biogas. Dr. Adebola believes similar initiatives could be implemented in Nigeria, fostering young entrepreneurship and addressing organic waste challenges.
AWAMN plans to pursue partnerships with German institutions to bolster technical and vocational training for Nigeria’s waste management sector. Following the study tour, AWAMN identified seven key action areas, including transitioning to resource management, decentralizing wastewater treatment, and establishing circular economy industrial parks.
Dr. Adebola proposed a circular economy industrial park in the Epe-Ogun axis and suggested digital tracking systems for waste collection operations. He also outlined potential vocational training initiatives and youth-led biogas enterprises.
AWAMN intends to formalize a Bavaria-Nigeria Circular Economy Partnership proposal for 2026 to 2030, to be presented at the association’s next international conference. Dr. Adebola expressed gratitude to the Bavarian Ministry, German Consulate General in Lagos, and bbw GmbH for their support and coordination of the study tour, hoping that the insights gained will enhance Nigeria’s waste management practices.