1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY The quantity and generation rate of solid wastes in Nigeria have increased over at an alarming rate over the years with lack of efficient and modern technology for the management of the wastes. The generation rate, collection and disposal of solid wastes are functions of several factors which if well considered and appropriated could bring the desired solution to the waste management problems in Nigeria. This chapter contains a brief description of the problem of study, background to the problem, purpose of the study and research questions. Significance and scope of the study were also discussed in this chapter. By definition, solid wastes could be defined as a non-liquid and non-gaseous products of human activities, regarded as being useless. It could take the forms of refuse, garbage and sludge(Leton and Omotosho, 2004).
Abuja Municipal Area Council(AMAC) is located in the Federal Capital Territory and the city of Abuja. The residential and indigenous inhabitants of AMAC is worth an estimated projection of about 2.5million people drawn from all over Nigeria and the spheres of the world. Historically, certain areas of AMAC have indeed enjoyed better solid waste management services than others. A major aspect highlighted by Mabogunje(2001) is the decision taken by the government to house incoming civil servants in the “Accelerated district” meant for construction workers after Abuja became the nation’s capital. With the district taken over by civil servants, alternative accommodation had to be found. A decision was made by the government to build a labor camp at Nyanya. This proved inadequate and was followed by the emergence of shantytowns. These settlements developed rapidly and were generally unplanned, overcrowded and lacking basic amenities(ibid). the result was severe stress on facilities, environmental degradation and water supply(Adejuwon 2001). Other contributory factors include the delay by the government