Public Sector Governance and Microbial-Based Sustainable Waste Management Strategies in Nigeria

Abstract

This comprehensive review examines the potential of microbial biotechnology as a sustainable waste management solution within Nigeria's public administration framework. Nigeria faces severe waste management challenges, with only 9-12% of generated waste being recycled or incinerated, and approximately 90% of wastewater discharged untreated into the environment. These deficiencies contribute significantly to environmental pollution, public health risks, and ecological degradation. Microbial-based approaches—including bioremediation, anaerobic digestion, and engineered microbial consortia—offer transformative potential for converting organic waste into valuable resources like biogas, biofertilizers, and bioplastics, while aligning with circular economy principles. However, implementation is hindered by infrastructural deficits, unreliable power supplies, financial constraints, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and sociocultural barriers. This review analyzes current waste management practices, evaluates microbial biotechnology applications, identifies integration challenges within Nigerian public administration, and proposes a multidimensional implementation framework incorporating technological innovation, policy reform, institutional capacity building, and community engagement to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 6 (clean water and sanitation) and 11 (sustainable cities).