Market News

By : Chinedum Uwaegbulam

The United Nations has called for stronger global waste management systems and a shift toward sustainable consumption and production patterns to address the escalating waste pollution crisis.

The world is currently grappling with a growing waste burden driven by unsustainable consumption habits, with an estimated 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste generated yearly. Without urgent intervention, this figure is projected to rise to 3.6 billion tonnes by 2050.

Food loss and waste remain a major environmental and climate challenge, accounting for up to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, nearly five times that of the aviation sector and up to 14 per cent of global methane emissions. Experts argued that tackling food waste is among the most cost-effective climate solutions, particularly through zero-waste approaches that prioritise prevention, resource efficiency, and systemic reform.

In Nigeria, the situation mirrors the global crisis. More than 32 million tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated yearly, yet less than 40 per cent is collected. The resulting gaps in waste management have contributed to widespread environmental pollution and serious public health risks. Improper disposal practices have degraded air, water, and soil quality while also increasing greenhouse gas emissions and intensifying plastic pollution, particularly in coastal communities.

Despite widespread hunger affecting millions globally, more than one billion tonnes of food is wasted each year, around 19 per cent of food available to consumers, while an additional 13 per cent is lost between harvest and retail. Households account for the largest share of food waste at 60 per cent, followed by the food service sector (28 per cent) and retail (12 per cent), with households alone discarding more than one billion meals daily.

These figures were highlighted during this year’s International Day of Zero Waste, themed “Food Waste: Towards Sustainable Consumption and Production,” which focuses on reducing food waste as a pathway to environmental protection, economic stability, and resilient communities.

In Nigeria, food losses are estimated at between N3.5 trillion and N5 trillion annually due to inefficiencies across the value chain. President of the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa, Alexander Isong, said the country loses between 30 and 40 million metric tonnes of food yearly, particularly perishables such as tomatoes, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish.

The International Day of Zero Waste was established through a United Nations General Assembly resolution led by Türkiye and supported by over 100 member states. Coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat, the annual observance promotes global awareness and action on waste reduction.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent cross-sectoral action, noting that small behavioural changes by consumers could significantly reduce food waste.

Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen, warned that the crisis carries severe economic and environmental consequences, especially amid accelerating climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and rising food prices.

Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, emphasised the need for cities to adopt integrated systems that recover surplus food and convert organic waste into compost or energy.

Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, in an event in Abuja to commemorate the day, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to a zero-waste future, highlighting efforts to reduce food loss, promote circular economy solutions, and strengthen sustainable food systems.

He stressed the importance of behavioural change and public awareness, urging farmers to adopt improved storage technologies and businesses to enhance inventory and distribution systems.

Globally, progress is emerging through initiatives such as the “20 Cities Towards Zero Waste” programme, which recognises cities adopting innovative circular economy practices