By Bala Dauda, Damaturu
The Yobe State Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) Project, has taken a major step toward transforming environmental protection service delivery with the successful convening of a Stakeholder Dissemination Meeting on Solid Waste Management Study.
The high-level engagement, held brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders including Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Head of MDAs, key Directors, Security Agencies, development partners, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and community representatives to review and validate findings from the comprehensive waste management assessment conducted in Damaturu metropolis .
Presenting the study findings, the Lead Consultant, Dr. Saleh Umar Anka, highlighted the scale of the current waste management challenge, noting that Damaturu generates approximately 62.1 tonnes of waste daily driven by rapid urbanisation and population pressures, including displacement dynamics.
He emphasised that the factors have resulted in significant environmental, public health, and urban management challenges.
The consultant underscored the opportunity to transition toward a more sustainable system by deriving economic value from waste through composting and recycling, thereby transforming waste management into a driver of economic growth.
In his keynote address, the Hon Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe to delivering a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Yobe State.
Karasuwa emphasised that the study provides a clear, evidence-based pathway for transitioning to a modern and sustainable waste management system, while also unlocking economic opportunities through waste-to-wealth initiatives and job creation.
The Project Coordinator of the SOLID Project, Mr. Suleiman Dauda, noted that the assessment was undertaken to address systemic gaps in waste collection, transportation, and environmentally safe disposal.
Mr Dauda stressed that the study forms a critical foundation for strengthening institutional capacity, improving service delivery, and ensuring inclusive access to basic services for both internally displaced persons and host communities.
Key recommendations from the study outlined implementation roadmap, including policy and regulatory reforms, institutional strengthening, expansion of waste collection services, development of engineered landfill and transfer infrastructure, and the introduction of resource recovery and circular economy systems.
The proposed system is expected to significantly improve service coverage to over 85% of households, create more than 200 jobs, and promote sustainable environmental practices across the State.
Stakeholders actively engaged in discussions and reached consensus on priority actions, including strengthening coordination among agencies, enhancing private sector participation, and ensuring inclusive integration of informal waste actors.
