Assessing the Performance of Participation of Public-Private Partnership in the Solid Waste Management System in Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study empirically evaluates the participation and performance of Public-Private Partnership [PPP] in the solid waste management system of Lafia Metropolitan Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 500 households across five wards, 12 licensed private waste firms, and five government officials between January and April, 2026. Three PPP models — franchise, service contract, and informal integration — were compared with Nasarawa Urban Development Board public-only provision using indicators of collection efficiency, service coverage, cost recovery, resident satisfaction, and environmental compliance. Results show that PPP wards achieve significantly higher collection efficiency [62.3% vs 41.7%] and service coverage [71% vs 38.5%] than NUDB-only wards [p<0.001]. The franchise model in Government Reserved Area recorded the highest efficiency at 68.1%, while the absence of a transfer station constrained all PPP operations, resulting in 58% of waste being dumped at the unlined Shabu open dumpsite. Cost recovery remains low at 34.2% due to limited willingness to pay, with only 33.7% of households willing to pay ₦1,000/month. Regression analysis indicated that collection frequency and PPP presence are the strongest predictors of resident satisfaction. Informal recycler integration in PPP zones increased material recovery to 11.3%, up from 4.1% in public zones, representing ₦7.76 million in potential monthly revenue. The study concludes that while PPP enhances service delivery in Lafia, its sustainability is constrained by poor cost recovery, inadequate infrastructure, and weak contract enforcement. Policy recommendations include adopting performance-based contracts, establishing a transfer station, and formalizing the informal recycling sector to promote a circular economy