Abstract

This study analyzes emerging innovations in sustainable waste management across major Nigerian urban centers—Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna—from 2018 to 2024. Using a multi-city comparative framework, data were collected through municipal waste audits, household surveys (n = 7,900), interviews with environmental regulators, and case studies of private waste-recycling firms. The research examined technological advancements, policy reforms, public participation, and environmental outcomes. Findings show that waste generation increased by 28% during the period, driven by rapid urbanization and consumerism. However, innovations such as smart waste-collection systems, waste-to-energy plants, mobile recycling applications, and community-based composting significantly improved waste recovery rates. Lagos demonstrated the highest innovation adoption, with digital route-optimization technologies reducing collection delays by 45%. Policy reforms including the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program stimulated private-sector investment in plastic recycling. Regression analysis revealed that public awareness and willingness to sort waste were strongly influenced by education, income, and the presence of incentives such as cash-back recycling schemes. Major challenges included inadequate landfill facilities, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and persistent informal waste-picking activities. The study concludes that Nigeria’s urban waste-management system is transitioning toward sustainability but requires strengthened regulatory oversight, expanded recycling infrastructure, and increased public–private collaboration.