ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DUMPSITES IN LAPAI TOWNSHIP AREA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Waste management remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges in developing countries, with Nigeria facing significant problems due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and weak enforcement of environmental regulations. This study assessed the environmental impact of dumpsites in Lapai township, Niger State, with emphasis on the types and sources of waste, location and characteristics of major dumpsites, and their implications for the environment and public health. Findings indicate that waste in Lapai is dominated by household, agricultural, commercial, and biomedical sources, most of which are indiscriminately dumped in open and unmanaged sites. Such practices result in soil contamination, groundwater pollution, air quality degradation, biodiversity loss, and widespread health issues among residents. The study further identified socio-economic consequences, including increased healthcare costs, decline in property values, reduced agricultural productivity, and heightened poverty. Current waste management practices were found to be largely inadequate, hindered by poor infrastructure, weak institutional capacity, and low public awareness. The study concludes that sustainable waste management strategies such as waste segregation, recycling, development of engineered sanitary landfills, and policy reforms are necessary to mitigate these impacts. The findings provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, local authorities, and environmental stakeholders in aligning Lapai’s waste management practices with global best standards and sustainable development goals.