ASSESSMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHALLENGES OF WASTE MANAGEMENT OPERATORS IN ILORIN METROLPOLIS

Abstract

This paper examined the operations and challenges of wastes management consultants in Ilorin metropolis of Kwara 
State, Nigeria. Waste management has become a source of livelihood to thousands of Nigeria and the sector 
continue to be lucrative due to ubiquitous nature of wastes. It is a fact that managing solid waste effectively and 
efficiently is no easy undertaking. Companies dealing in solid waste management face several challenges. This study 
addressed issues relating to operational capabilities of wastes management consultants and challenges facing them.  
A cross-sectional study was conducted among the registered wastes consultants working in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara 
State. The sampling technique employed was total sampling using the record of all registered wastes consultants 
with Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA). The study utilized quantitative research method, 
using structured questionnaires to gather data from 30 respondents among the waste management consultants 
operating in the area.   The data was analysed using statistical package for social science for descriptive (t-test) at 
5% level of significance. Examined were their operational capabilities through the number of functioning trucks, 
experience, coverage and impediments to effective service deliveries. The research shows that wastes contractors are 
not well equipped with modern wastes transportation facilities. Also, it was discovered that commercial wastes 
contractors face problems of multiple charges being paid to government purse. Poor sensitization and awareness 
among the general public were found to be among major challenges of wastes contractors. Inadequate enforcement 
of proper wastes disposal through the wastes contractors is another challenge of the waste contractors.