Flowing Trash: How the Rivers, Gutters and Waterways in Jos, Nigeria are Drowning in Waste
Written by: Felicity Asibi Akwa
Edited by: Beatrice Bos
Waste management is a critical issue worldwide, particularly in developing countries where the infrastructure and resources to handle waste effectively are often lacking. The improper management of waste can lead to severe environmental and health problems, including pollution, disease outbreaks and the degradation of natural resources. Many regions do not have proper waste collection, transportation and disposal systems. This deficiency often results in the accumulation of waste in open areas, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards.
Jos, a city in Plateau State Nigeria is one of such places struggling with the challenge of lack of proper waste management system. Jos city is located in the middle belt region of Nigeria. It is situated on phases of volcanic activities that have formed plateaus under which a plethora of mineral resources can be found. Plateau state is arguably one of the richest states in Nigeria, and the drainage pattern of Jos is acclaimed the hydrological centre of Nigeria, as many rivers flow from the Jos plateau to other areas in the sub-region.
Photo taken by author: Felicity Asibi Akwa
From Source to Stream: Tracing the Path of Household Waste
A significant consequence of waste pollution is the degradation observed within fluvial and aquatic ecosystems; rivers and waterways constitute a primary domain impacted by the pervasive challenges of waste pollution in Jos. Waste blocks flow, releases pathogens, and pollutants that damage ecosystems and human health; and of the major wastes being improperly disposed of, plastic waste constitutes part of the highest in Jos, just like several places around the world.
According to earlier research on solid waste management in Jos North, an assessment was made of the performance of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) in Jos. The research reports that forty-five percent (45%) of land use type responsible for waste generation is residential while 42% and 33% of the compositions of the wastes are ashes and plastics respectively.
There are too many uses of plastics, in preservation and distribution of food, housing and appliances to mention. Unfortunately, the properties of plastic that make it so valuable also make its disposal problematic, such as its durability, light weight and low cost. Specially designed plastics have been an integral part of the communication and electronics industry, especially in the manufacture of chips and compartments. They are also used in alternative energy systems such as fuel cells, batteries. Meanwhile, increasing plastic production and its use in emerging economies looks set to continue, hence, waste management infrastructures will have to be developed accordingly.
Photo taken by author: Felicity Asibi Akwa
The Unseen Drain: Waste Spilling into Jos’ Lifelines
Waste mismanagement does not happen in isolation. Every misstep, from illegal dumping to inadequate recycling creates ripple effects that spread far and wide. Additionally, weak waste practices amplify environmental damage, and deepen social inequality. These interconnected challenges highlight an urgent truth: what we do with our waste does not just disappear, it comes back to impact us all.
The ripple effect of waste blocking waterways and rivers in Jos have overtime created chain reactions of severe environmental, human health, and economic consequences that spread far beyond the initial site of blockage which have been expressed as follows:
I. Environmental Impacts
Flooding: Blocked drains and river channels prevent proper water flow, leading to increased and often severe urban and local flooding, which destroys infrastructure and habitats.
Ecosystem Damage: The natural balance of aquatic ecosystems is disrupted. Stagnant pools can form, and the flow changes alter habitats, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
Water Contamination: As waste (especially plastics) degrades, it releases toxins and breaks down into microplastics, contaminating the water supply.
Oxygen Depletion (Eutrophication): Organic waste and agricultural runoff introduce excess nutrients, causing harmful algal blooms. When these algae die and decompose, they use up dissolved oxygen, creating "dead zones" where most aquatic life cannot survive (hypoxic conditions).
Harm to Wildlife: Fish and marine life often ingest plastic waste or become entangled in it, leading to injury, starvation, or death. These toxins then move up the food chain, potentially affecting top predators, including humans.
Degraded Habitats: Increased sedimentation from soil erosion, exacerbated by disrupted water flow, can cloud the water, reducing sunlight penetration and smothering bottom-dwelling organisms and plants.
II. Human Health Impacts
Health Risks: Polluted water from blocked systems becomes a breeding ground for vectors like mosquitoes and rodents, and can spread serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
Contaminated Drinking Water: Chemical and microbial contamination makes water sources unsafe for drinking, cooking, and bathing, posing severe risks of long-term illnesses like cancer or developmental disorders.
III. Economic Impacts
Economic Losses:
a. Communities dependent on fishing and tourism suffer significant revenue losses when waters are polluted and beaches or rivers are closed.
communities face mounting costs for clean-up operations, infrastructure repairs due to flooding, and maintaining waste management systems.
Agricultural yields can be reduced due to the use of poor water quality for irrigation and the degradation of soil quality near dumping sites. The problem in one location does not stay there; the interconnected nature of waterways means pollution can travel downstream, impacting distant communities and ecosystems.
Photo taken by author: Felicity Asibi Akwa
Turning the Tide: A Call to Action to Jos and Environs
The concept of a circular economy offers a transformative approach to waste management. In a circular economy, products are designed for longevity, reuse and recycling, minimizing waste and resource consumption. The Government of Plateau State, Public and Private organizations in Jos can adopt circular economy principles to reduce waste generation and promote sustainable resource use.
Digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and block chain, can revolutionize waste management. These technologies can optimize waste collection routes, monitor waste levels in real-time and enhance recycling processes. For example, smart bins equipped with sensors can notify waste management authorities when they are full, ensuring timely collection. Decentralized waste management systems, where waste is managed at the local level, can be more effective in developing countries.
Additionally, Community-based waste management systems can tailor solutions to local needs and conditions, involving residents in decision-making and implementation processes like ‘waste to wealth’ or ‘waste to art’ initiatives. Waste management strategies should also incorporate climate resilience to address the impacts of climate change. This includes designing waste management infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and implementing practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waste.
In conclusion, the responsibility of sustainable waste management is a collective effort, and David Suzuki says it more convincingly, "If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us."
References:
Danladi, F.O. (2019). Follow the Plastic: Research Report on Plastic Waste in Jos, North Central Nigeria. Research Report on Plastic Waste in Jos, North Central Nigeria. Retrieved 2 December 2025fromhttps://www.academia.edu/39778477/Follow_the_Plastic_Research_Report_on_Plastic_Waste_in_Jos_North_Central_Nigeria
How Waste Impacts Our Waterways. (2025, September 9). Retrieved December 10 from TGAS Foundation: https://tgasfoundation.org/how-waste-impacts-our-waterways/
Olanrewaju, O. O., & Oyebade, D. (2019). Environmental Menace of Plastic Waste in Nigeria: Challenges, Policies and Technological Efforts. Transition Pathways to Sustainable Development Goals: Integrated Landscape Approach, Economic Well Being and Inclusive Climate Resilience. Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Retrieved November 25, 2025,fromhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/335989265_ENVIRONMENTAL_MENACE_OF_PLASTIC_WASTE_IN_NIGERIA_CHALLENGES_POLICIES_AND_TECHNOLOGICAL_EFFORTS
Smyth, Steven. “Waste Management in Developing Countries: Challenges and Solutions.” Adv Recycling Waste Manag 9 (2024): 350. Retrieved 23 November 2025 from https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/waste-management-in-developing-countries-challenges-and-solutions.pdf
The Ripple Effect: How Weak Waste Practices Impact Us All. (n.d.). Retrieved from Interwaste: https://interwaste.co.za/know-waste/the-ripple-effect-how-weak-waste-practices-impact-us-all/
35 Remarkable and Greatest Quotes on Water Pollution that Needs a Fast Solution. (2023, June 26). Retrieved December 10 2025 from Environmental Quotation: https://www.environmentalquotation.com/2023/06/35-Remarkable-and-Greatest-Quotes-on-Water-Pollution-that-Needs-a-Fast-Solution.html