Nigeria’s major cities are expanding at an extraordinary pace, driven mostly by the continuous rural–urban drift. Every year, thousands leave smaller towns for Lagos, Onitsha, Ibadan, Kano and other urban centres in search of better opportunities. As the population grows, the ability of these cities to manage the waste generated by their residents continues to weaken. Streets overflow with refuse, drainage channels clog after every rainfall and the familiar sight of scavengers, popularly called “Bola Boys,” sorting through heaps of rubbish has become a defining image of urban life.
The problem is not lack of effort. Various state governments, waste-management authorities and private collectors have introduced different strategies to keep up. However, the scale of urban growth, combined with poor planning, ageing infrastructure and inconsistent public compliance, means the crisis persists. What is becoming clear is that the traditional model of waste management can no longer cope with the pressures of modern Nigerian cities.
This is where Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a potential game changer. Around the world, AI is quietly transforming how cities monitor, predict and manage waste, offering solutions that are far quicker and smarter than anything available in the past. For Nigeria, adopting AI-based systems could mark a major turning point.
Imagine a Lagos where smart cameras and sensors installed across neighbourhoods send instant alerts when waste begins to pile up, when drains are blocked or when illegal dumping occurs under bridges and highways. Instead of waiting for complaints from residents or relying on fixed schedules that often fail, authorities would have real-time information at their fingertips. Collection trucks could be deployed immediately, reducing the chances of environmental hazards and helping the city stay cleaner.
AI can also predict waste surges before they happen. By analysing seasonal patterns, market activities, festive periods and population movements, the technology can forecast when certain neighbourhoods will generate higher waste volumes. This type of insight would allow cities such as Onitsha and Kano, where markets and industries produce unpredictable spikes, to prepare in advance rather than react too late.
One of Nigeria’s biggest obstacles to efficient waste management is traffic congestion. In Lagos, a single waste truck can lose hours navigating gridlock, leading to delayed collection and overflowing bins. AI can optimise these routes by directing vehicles through less congested roads and prioritising the areas with the highest concentration of trash. The result is faster turnaround times, reduced fuel costs and significantly improved operations.
The technology is equally powerful in preventing drainage blockages, a recurring problem in Lagos and Ibadan, especially during the rainy season. Sensors placed inside drainage channels can monitor water flow and detect early signs of obstruction. When combined with drone mapping that identifies hidden dumpsites, AI can help authorities respond long before flooding begins.
Contrary to fears that technology will put waste pickers out of work, AI could actually improve their livelihoods. Automated sorting systems can process waste more efficiently and safely, while mobile apps can help scavengers understand the value of different materials, locate recycling centres and receive fair prices for the items they collect. The role of the “Bola Boys” would become more organised, safer and more rewarding.
To make all this possible, Nigeria will need a deliberate strategy that includes investment in smart infrastructure, partnerships with technology innovators, training for waste workers and proper regulations for the responsible use of data. A pilot phase in cities already struggling with severe waste challenges, such as Lagos, Kano and Onitsha, would demonstrate quick results and encourage nationwide adoption.
Nigeria’s waste problem is far more than an environmental issue. It threatens public health, damages the economy and undermines the quality of life for millions of people. With Artificial Intelligence, the country has a unique opportunity to rebuild its waste-management system on a foundation of efficiency and innovation. AI will not clean the streets on its own, but it can provide the tools to monitor, predict and respond to waste challenges in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago.
If Nigeria embraces this new approach, its cities have the potential to become cleaner, safer and far more liveable. This transformation would improve the everyday experiences of millions of Nigerians and set a strong example for other African nations seeking sustainable urban solutions.
By Engr. Bola Babarinde, Chairman, Renewed Hope Global, South Africa Chapter.
