ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, CIRCULAR ECONOMY, AND SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The rising global waste burden continues to challenge environmental sustainability, with many developing nations lagging behind despite increasing investments in digital innovation. This study investigates the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing circular economy performance and sustainable waste management, with a specific focus on Nigeria. Employing a comparative and trend-based analysis of secondary data spanning 2014 to 2024 from six countries; Germany, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Nigeria, the research examines AI adoption levels, recycling efficiency, waste generation patterns, and investment flows. The findings reveal a strong correlation between advanced AI integration and high recycling efficiency in countries like Germany and China, while Nigeria exhibits minimal progress due to inadequate infrastructure, low investment, and policy fragmentation. The study applies the Socio-Technical Systems and Technology-Organization-Environment frameworks to explain institutional and technological barriers limiting AI adoption in Nigeria’s waste sector. The research concludes that AI has transformative potential for waste governance when embedded in supportive policy environments and aligned with circular economy principles. It recommends targeted investment, national strategy development, and local capacity building to bridge Nigeria’s performance gap and unlock digital pathways to sustainable waste management.