On Littering Behaviour in Nigeria

From childhood, I have been averse to the sight of folks throwing out packs of recently consumed items from moving vehicles (from rickety buses/cars to posh cars!) or as they pass by along sidewalks. 

I still recall how loud my (mind) protests were, sometimes giving a ‘bad eye’ to the unsuspecting culprits. It always agitated my young mind, anytime I passed by a street corner or highway and saw consequences of individual actions – heaps of dirt. 

Paradoxically, those of us who tend to litter our noble environment will likely be first to scream at the press or say offhandedly that the government is responsible for our roadside rubbish. 

Oh! Who is the government? The physical structures that make up the federal and state secretariats or local councils? We, the people, are the ‘governors’ of our environment, of our country and the architects of our future.

There are several programmes and policies that have been implemented towards a cleaner environment at different points in the Nigerian history. 

For instance, a programme of action tagged ‘war against indiscipline’ (WAI) during a military regime, momentarily helped to curb the indiscipline of littering (a wave of obedience motivated by fear of punishment). 

At some point in Lagos state, commercial buses were mandated to hold waste disposal bins for passengers’ usage. Moreover, through efforts of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) most packages for food and beverage items have the ‘dispose properly’ or ‘keep Nigeria clean’ stamps. 

An impact evaluation question therefore arises: what has been the effect of past and current policy interventions on littering behaviour in Nigeria?

In recent times, it has also bothered me to see that even in private communities where myriad waste disposal bins are available, people may still leave off packs of recently consumed food and drink items in open spaces. Ironically, sometimes littering areas where there are a number of ‘dispose properly’ signs to guide rational behaviour.

To my economist mind, there are emergent research and policy questions from my observation on littering behaviour in Nigeria: What are the psychosocial determinants of littering behaviour in Nigeria? What effect does family income have on an individual’s tendency to litter? 

What measures can be put in place to eradicate all forms of littering in Nigerian communities? How can we promote a national sense of responsibility against littering? What is the role of private sector in curbing littering? What are the current and potential employment effects of littering in Nigeria? 

To what extent can public expenditure on social infrastructure affect the incidence of littering in Nigeria? To what extent does poverty prevalence affect the tendency to litter? What is the role of geography in littering behaviour in Nigeria? 

Recently, I was filled with hope of a national change, when I read that in Japan, spitting round and littering is considered EVIL behaviour. The Japanese (and of course visitors) will rather keep wraps/packs of recently used items in their bags or pockets till they get to the nearest refuse disposal spot. 

Now, that is a ‘heaven on earth’ experience! In line with this, I have a dream that one day spitting around and littering will be considered EVIL behaviour in Nigeria – in rural and urban areas, public and private spaces. 

I have a dream that every one regardless of gender, age, skin colour, social status and geographical location will respect the Nigerian public space, treating it with utmost regard and respect – by disposing properly.

Have a litter-free 2015!!!

The discussion continues…