EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR WASTE-TO-WEALTH TRANSFORMATION IN NIGERIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth have significantly increased solid waste generation in Nigeria, creating major environmental, public health, and socioeconomic challenges. However, emerging technologies provide opportunities to convert waste into valuable resources while promoting sustainable development and circular economy practices. This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with literature published between 2012 and 2025 retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and relevant institutional websites. Eligible studies examined emerging technologies for waste management, recycling, resource recovery, the circular economy, and waste-to-energy systems, and 30 of them were synthesized using a narrative thematic approach. The review identified artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, blockchain, digital platforms, biotechnology, and waste-to-energy technologies as key drivers of waste-to-wealth transformation, improving waste segregation, recycling efficiency, resource recovery, operational performance, and environmental sustainability. However, widespread adoption remains constrained by inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, weak policy implementation, insufficient technical expertise, and poor institutional coordination. Overall, emerging technologies have significant potential to transform Nigeria's waste management sector by advancing resource recovery, green entrepreneurship, and the development of a circular economy. Strengthening policies, increasing strategic investments, building technical capacity, and fostering multi-sector collaboration are essential to overcome adoption barriers and achieve scalable, sustainable waste-to-wealth systems in Nigeria.