Bridging Nigeria’s energy deficit through waste-to-energy: Evidence, pathways and policy imperatives

Abstract

Nigeria faces persistent electricity shortages and increasing municipal solid waste generation, both of which negatively affect economic productivity, environmental sustainability, and urban livelihood. This study evaluates the feasibility of deploying waste-to-energy (WtE) systems as an integrated solution to simultaneously address energy deficits and waste management challenges in Nigeria. A documentary-based assessment was conducted using peer-reviewed literature, national policy documents, and industry reports published between 2015 and 2026. The study applied a multi-criteria readiness framework to classify Nigerian states into high, medium, and low-readiness deployment tiers based on waste generation volume, collection efficiency, and energy recovery potential. Findings reveal different readiness levels, the highest demonstrating recoverable energy potential exceeding 50 MW. A second tier of states shows moderate feasibility but depends on improvements in waste logistics, feedstock consistency, and infrastructure efficiency. Lower-tier states remain constrained by poor waste collection systems, weak infrastructure, and policy limitations. The study further highlights that successful WtE implementation requires integrated system design, emissions control, regulatory stability, and stakeholder coordination. It recommends a phased “flagship-first” deployment strategy through public-private partnerships, complemented by an “organics-first” approach that integrates anaerobic digestion and the informal waste sector for sustainable recovery.