COVID-19: Impacts and implications on waste management, the Nigeria economy and the way forward

Abstract

The coronavirus disease, popularly known as COVID-19, is a new infectious disease and Nigeria is one of the 213 countries and territories affected by its pandemic. The pandemic has practically affected every sector of the economy with substantial impacts and implications. The current waste management practice at all health care and isolation centres during this period also calls for concern. This paper focuses on the effects of COVID-19 on Waste Management Practices, the Nigeria Economy, and the Way Forward. Responses at the three tiers of government are identified; the involvement of private and public sectors with the role of international organizations, donors, public participation, and the impact of religion on COVID-19 response in Nigeria are also considered. The implications on Sustainable Development Goals, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Trade, Mining and Quarrying, and Education Sectors are discussed. SWOT analysis of waste management processes in Nigeria during the pandemic is presented. Based on the study, it is recommended that concerted effort on the part of the government be focused on maximizing welfare policy programs that would erase the sufferings of the people as regards access to primary health care and other social infrastructure that could enhance peoples' living standard. Effective responses and recovery plans in the short-, medium and long-term should also be prioritized and consider the pandemic's different dimensions, as a measure to grow truly necessary extraordinary change toward a sustainable society.