Title: Transforming Solid Waste To Renewable Energy: A Case For Legislation To Empower Local Government Areas In Nigeria
Authors: Okoseimiema Ajangaboka, Joshua & Abiba Grace, Ameh
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Pages: 350-359
Publication Date: 2026/03/28
Abstract:
Research has shown that organic waste can be a source of renewable energy provided it is in large volume and regularly supplied. Using Rivers state (Nigeria) as a case study, the investigation was to actualize this, using a legislative framework that will empower the lowest tier of government to guarantee sustainability. Adopting a systematic review methodology, the research explored the various legislations/policies around the world that supports the decentralization of energy supply as well as the form in which it will take place. The results showed that 52% of the countries investigated had local government managing the affairs of waste in the States with the Federal policies implemented by the municipalities and 17% of the findings were from Indonesia. Accordingly, 34.5% of the publications did not refer to the managers of the waste, yet 17% insisted that a decentralization process would systematically improve the collection and disposal phases. Legislations are the laws that empower state to manage municipal or local government waste. Thus, a decentralization strategy was designed for the case study that incorporated members of the traditional institutions. Some of the benefits include, community involvement will reduce the burden on the expenses on waste collection and transportation, the collection of sanitation fee will be from the primary collectors not individuals hence, increase in internally generated revenue. The research concluded that the implementation of a renewal energy system can best be operated in a country with the right legislation, institution and a well-structured community engagement process.