LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR ASCENSION OF WASTE GENERATION TO WEALTH CREATION: AN INNOVATION TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Waste can be refuse or superfluous material especially that remains after a manufacturing or chemical process. Waste has become a recurring decimal in the lives of every human being. We tried in this work to x-ray how this by-product called waste could be a raw material for a new product; thereby creating wealth rather than generating waste to the company or nation. Ascension of waste generation to wealth creation in Nigeria has the consequences of leading to a sustainable development in Nigeria which is the development that meets the needs of the present society in Nigeria without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs. The aim of this work is to appraise the legal framework for ascension of waste generation to wealth creation and the likely innovation towards environmental sustainability and development in Nigeria. We adopted doctrinal methodology of research with analytical approach of data collection through primary and secondary sources. This research found that improper management and use of wrong technology gave rise to waste generation which is inimical to the natural environment. The work therefore focuses on how legal framework and regulations can be established and applied to properly manage waste and generate wealth for sustainable development in Nigeria. We recommended institution of legal framework and application of regulations, recycling, use of advanced technologies and proper waste management mechanism for managing waste and generate wealth there from, for enhanced productivity and sustainable development in Nigeria. The work concluded on the note that institutionalizing legal framework and application of regulations thereto will provide platform for generation of wealth towards sustainable development in Nigeria.