Harnessing the Potentials of Urban Waste Utilization for Wealth and Job Creation through Public-Private Partnerships in Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and population growth have led to increasing volumes of solid waste in urban centres across Nigeria, creating environmental, health, and socioeconomic challenges. Despite the abundance of recyclable and reusable waste materials, inadequate waste management practices and limited stakeholder collaboration have hindered the effective utilization of urban waste for economic development. However, limited empirical attention has been given to how Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can be leveraged to transform urban waste into a sustainable source of wealth and employment in Lokoja Metropolis. This study assessed the potentials of urban waste utilization for wealth and job creation through Public-Private Partnerships in Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected from 300 respondents selected through a stratified random sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics comprising frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that urban waste possesses significant economic value for income generation and entrepreneurship development, PPPs enhance investment and operational efficiency in waste management, and effective waste utilization contributes substantially to employment creation and environmental sustainability. The findings underscore the potential of integrating waste-to-wealth initiatives into urban development strategies to address unemployment and environmental degradation simultaneously. The study concluded that strategic collaboration between public and private sector actors can transform urban waste from an environmental burden into a viable resource for economic growth and job creation. Consequently, it recommends that government should strengthen PPP frameworks and policies for waste management, while private investors should be encouraged through incentives to invest in waste recycling and resource recovery initiatives.