Maintaining a proper waste management system is good for our health as people. This is because what we inhale as humans everyday are impactful in our wellbeing.
Unfortunately, there are states in Nigeria lagging seriously in combating dirtiness. Check out the dirtiest states in Nigeria according to the data from the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and Clean-Up Nigeria:
1. Abia
Abia leads as one of the dirtiest states in Nigeria. The state is yet to find concrete ways to solve its waste management problems. Hardly is there any local government not battling poor environmental hygiene. Aba city which is regarded as one of the most promising places to do business is not clean satisfactorily.
2. Lagos
One of the shortcomings of Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria is lack of proper waste disposal. Many areas of the state are still littered with dirt. Even though Lagos has agencies dedicated to environmental cleanliness, there is still more work to be done to keep up with good sanitation.
3. Kogi
Some parts of Kogi state are clean to an extent but do not discard the fact that many land areas are extremely dirty. Negligence and inadequate measures contribute to poor environmental sanitation in the state.
4. Anambra
Anambra state, in Southeast Nigeria has various streets littered with dirt including its major city, Onitsha. Constant dumping of refuse has made the state very untidy. No solid structure put in place to tackle pollution — this has continued to be a menace.
5. Kano
Kano is one of the best northern states to start a business but sadly, does not have a system that can cater for waste disposal. Many business areas and parks stink and are full of dirt. This is quite concerning because of the health risk it would be for the residents.
6. Osun
Osun is not left out, it is ranked as the sixth dirtiest state in the country. Even though the government in the past provided proper waste control, lack of compliance from the people has continued to make the state dirty and has contributed to air pollution.
7. Nassarawa
Nassarawa is one of the northern states in Nigeria battling proper waste disposal. Inability to create a working system that can address environmental issues in the state makes Nassarawa rank among the dirtiest states in Nigeria despite its geographical closeness to the nation’s capital, Abuja.
8. Zamfara
Zamfara is grappling with a lot of issues such as literacy and security that has made it impossible for the state government to concentrate on environmental cleanliness. In other words, the state has not attained the point whereby waste management would be prioritised or of government concern.
9. Yobe
Yobe state has no strong measures to solve its garbage problems. Although insecurity has been a major challenge and setback for the state. Notwithstanding, insufficient attention is paid to cleanliness.
10. Ogun
Ogun state has been working on its urban areas and trying to ensure cleanliness in its markets but some local governments are still very dirty as different compartments have been trash dump sites.
