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Plastic Debris (Marine Litters) From Atalantic Ocean Through Lagos Channel, Constituting Pollutions Around Islands Settlements: Government and Private Participations in Turning Waste to Wealth
Summary
Plastic waste pouring into the ocean near Lagos, Nigeria is polluting coastal communities, but this study finds that turning trash into cash, through recycling programs backed by government policy and private businesses, can meaningfully cut down on ocean litter. This matters because plastic debris that breaks down in the ocean can turn into microplastics, which enter seafood and drinking water and may pose risks to human health, so smarter waste management isn't just good for the environment, it protects the food and water people rely on.
The study is extensive and centred on the issue of plastic garbage in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly on Lagos Island in Nigeria and its effects on the environment, economy and society. The authors review existing garbage and recycling initiatives and report on their efficacy in reducing plastic pollution in the ocean. The “waste-to-wealth” concept is used to discuss the roles of government policy, private sector participation and regional collaboration in converting plastic trash into a commercial opportunity. This is a quantitative study that uses surveys and data to measure stakeholder participation and the effect of new technologies, such as GIS maps and community-based solutions. The results show that effective waste management techniques are positively and significantly related to debris reduction. Policy support and private sector participation are also shown to significantly impact sustainable waste-to-wealth programs. Also technical and community-driven solutions are pointed out as key components to decrease marine litter, however now their influence is limited. The paper calls for a holistic strategy that includes better policy implementation, technology appropriate for Nigeria, collaboration amongst West African countries, and more community engagement. It takes a concerted effort of government agencies, the commercial sector, NGOs and regional organisations to provide scalable solutions for reducing marine pollution and fostering economic development via novel recycling techniques. This research offers useful information for policymakers, environmental organisations and stakeholders devoted to the protection of Nigeria’s marine environment and the use of garbage as a resource for sustainable development.