Environmental Consequences Of Improper Solid Waste Disposal In Nigeria

5.1 SUMMARY
Generation of solid waste along drainage channel globally is attributed to man’s daily activities and the effects are inevitable. However, there are measures that can be adopted to make our environment better and safe to live. Unlawful solid waste dumping in Nigeria must be stopped; markets for recycled materials should be encouraged and financially supported by both government and private stakeholders. There is urgent need for Nigeria government to implement policies that can promote measures to prevent generation of wastes. Human health and the environment need to be safeguard from unsanitary conditions caused by improper solid waste disposal that has always lead to pollution and outbreak of diseases.

5.2 CONCLUSION
Improper solid waste generation, disposal and management in Ota is a serious issue because of the environmental issues these waste brings. From the findings of this study, it was observed that improper dump of solid waste in the society has several effects on individuals and as well as the society at large. These effects range from its negative effects on environment, health, and also people’ attitude which will have multiplier effects on the present and future inhabitants of the area. Improper dump of solid waste causes infectious disease among people, contamination of food and water, air pollution, sharp objects and chemicals illegal disposed thus causing harm to people. It also serves as breeding sights for disease vectors. Improper dump of refuse causes environmental degradation, soil pollution, creates harmful soil that is bad for crops production, environmental mess and poor environmental hygiene. People’s attitude such as refusal to pay waste management bills, laziness, violation of rules on refuse disposal and also some people may not be able to pay for waste management bills. All these could be described as the effects and causes of improper refuse dumps in Ota. While the Government has good intention to tackle the problem of environmental pollution within the city, it has a very low political will to back up its desire. This has manifested in the poor funding of the institutions charged with this responsibility.

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
The paper concluded that the management of environment of Ibadan city is a function of the concerted efforts of the three agencies charged with the environmental sanitation especially the Ogun State Solid Waste Management Authority. It is a capital intensive project that are closely associated with adequate manpower and the government should consider the care of the environment as a social service, otherwise Ota local government will continue to remain as the city of refuse in Ogun with its attendant health hazard. Also, the creation of Ogun state which has been thirst for will go a long way to solve some of the environmental problems presently facing the city.
To prevent this ancient city and the commercial nerve Centre of Western Nigeria from environmental deterioration, the following recommendations are to be attentively looking into:
i. There is the need to look into all legislations regarding waste management with a view to stream lining them so that there is a comprehensive and clear role for all the agencies, various tiers of government, as well as the public including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and community associations.
ii. There should be public enlightenment on the dangers of improper dump of solid waste to the general public.
iii. Citizens should be made to pay a realistic fee for waste services in return for the guarantee that indeed these services will be provided.
iv. Residents should contribute to the environmental cleanliness by adopting attitudinal change from improper refuse dumping along the street and as well as the median strip of the highways
v. Severe Sanction: Weekly and Monthly sanitation should be enforced .This will assist in cleaning up the environment.