PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF WASTE MANAGEMENT IN FCT: CASE STUDY OF ABUJA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOARD (AEPB)

The study examines the problems and prospects of waste management in FCT by Abuja Environmental Protection Board with its objectives being to find out the challenges encountered by AEPB, evaluate the waste disposal methods used and to assess the prospects of proper waste management by AEPB. The study relied on the distribution of questionnaires to households and staff of AEPB in AMAC and Bwari area councils of FCT as primary source of data. In total, Eight hundred and thirty eight questionnaires were distributed to the respondents using stratified random technique to determine sample size. The data gathered from the returned questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive tables and graphs. From the results obtained, 76.8% of respondents believe lack of funding to be a major challenge of AEPB. 89% of respondents also believe absence of proper technology hampers the efficiency of AEPB. Other constraints include staff welfare, non-compliance with regulations and general attitude of the public. For waste disposal techniques, the respondents favored land filling and incineration against open dumping. The respondents also see the benefits of proper waste management to include wealth creation, agricultural sustenance and preservation of the environment. In conclusion, Adequate funding, proper training of staff, upgrade of facilities and sensitization of the public was recommended in order to enhance the effective management of waste in FCT. Further studies should be carried out to widen the scope and proffer solutions to other aspects of waste management in FCT.