Blue Economy and Job Creation in Nigeria: Exploring Opportunities for Youth Employment in Marine-Based Industries

Abstract

Nigeria’s urban centers are experiencing an escalating waste management crisis, with over 32 million tonnes of solid waste generated annually and major cities like Lagos producing more than 13,000 tonnes daily. Despite this volume, national recycling rates remain below 10%, and waste segregation at the source is practiced in less than 5% of urban households. This study applies a systematic literature review of 98 relevant documents to examine the role of science, innovation, and technology (STI) in advancing zero waste practices across Nigerian cities. Results show that 50–65% of municipal waste is biodegradable, yet under 20% is processed through composting or energy recovery methods. Technological initiatives such as RFID-enabled bins, mobile waste tracking applications, and pilot waste-to-energy plants are emerging in select urban areas, notably Lagos and Abuja. Grassroots innovations—like digital reward-based recycling and community-based collection systems—have increased recycling participation by up to 40% in pilot locations. However, widespread implementation is hindered by fragmented policies, limited technical infrastructure, low public awareness, and inadequate funding. The study identifies strategic gaps in institutional coordination and scientific capacity that must be addressed to enable scalable, technology-driven waste solutions. Recommendations include establishing a national waste information system, supporting informal sector integration, scaling successful innovation models, and promoting public-private-community partnerships. The findings suggest that while the zero-waste transition in Nigeria is in its infancy, the integration of STI within policy, planning, and community engagement frameworks offers a viable path toward sustainable urban waste systems and improved environmental health.