WASTE MANAGEMENT GOVERNANCE IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA: INSTITUTIONAL GAPS AND SUSTAINABLE REFORM PATHWAYS

Municipal solid waste management is a critical urban service whose performance depends not only on equipment and disposal infrastructure but also on institutional coordination, operational finance, regulatory enforcement, accountability, and citizen participation. This study examined waste management governance across eight local government areas in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. A convergent mixed-methods design was used to combine a survey of 423 adult residents and business operators with 23 key-informant interviews, eight focus-group discussions involving 72 participants, structured observations at 64 public waste locations, and a documentary review. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, analysis of variance, correlation, multiple linear regression, and binary logistic regression, whereas qualitative evidence was analyzed thematically and integrated through joint comparison. More than half of the respondents (56.2%) reported no regular collection or collection less than once weekly, and 69.7% relied primarily on open dumping, roadside or drainage disposal, or open burning. All governance dimensions scored below the scale midpoint; financial capacity (M = 2.15) and accountability (M = 2.17) were rated weakest. The governance variables jointly explained 64.4% of the variance in service effectiveness, with operational capacity being the strongest predictor (beta = .268), followed by accountability (beta = .195). Regulatory enforcement doubled the odds of appropriate disposal (odds ratio [OR] = 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.34, 3.15]), while collection frequency also improved compliance. Qualitative and observational findings confirmed vehicle shortages, delayed funding, fragmented mandates, weak data and complaint systems, and limited integration of informal waste workers. Sustainable reform requires predictable operating finance, route-level performance management, integrated data and complaint systems, proportionate enforcement, community oversight, and phased circular-economy initiatives that incorporate existing informal recovery networks