ecoLEGAL

SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED

ecolegal.ng@gmail.com; peanijo@yahoo.com
+234-805-52883665, +234-802-3854869, +234-803-9693897

SEWAGE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

SUGGESTIONS AND THE WAY FORWARD
By

Peter Aniediabasi John (CMC-ESNL)

Port Harcourt-Nigeria
SEWAGE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: Suggestions and Ideas
Sewage unlike other waste types demands more attention due to its economic importance both in public health threat and agricultural relevance.
Though, we are yet to joint millions of communities around the world to exploit the natural benefits attached to sewage. A proper and empirical
management strategy for sewage will end up providing electrical power, solid and liquid manure for soil enhancement, livestock feed supplement
for better crop and animal management. All the component of a typical sewage waste has been observed to have advantageous properties to
man, even though the odour is questionable and intolerable. Microbial life-forms feed on the nutrient rich sewage, releasing other important
products, which can be useful to man. In the process of microbial activit ies, there is a likelihood of de-odourization, which makes the resultant
product tolerable to man as managers.

The purpose of this document is to offer different pathways to achieving a successful design and conclusion of a constructed and operational
sewage treatment plant after the decision to go ahead has been made.

The first step should be an in house forum of the stakeholders to look at the parameters of the project, these should include;

 Present treatment requirements.  Implementation of existing laws.

 Future treatment requirements.  Potential location of plant.
 Life cycle of plant.  Site access.
 Type of treatment plant.  Proximity to settlement and aquifer
 Delivery system (reticulation or trucking)  Land level in relation to sea level (land height/elevation)
 Construction and operation costs against budget for first two years.  Training opportunities for indigenes to operate the plant.

Once the above and any other required parameters are known we can move on to the next step. A number of feasibility studies will have to be
undertaken to determine, as a minimum;

 Area population densities.  Geotechnical suitability of location.

 Projected population density (based on increase rate of 2.8 – 3.1%)  Prevailing wind directions.
 Population growth rate.  Hydrogeology and underground hydro dynamics
 Location suitability ‘footprint’  Sewage pipeline potential for local developing areas.

Obviously different states may have differing concerns, so any studies that are required should be identified at the first ‘Parameters’ forum.

Once all the above information is known, and the type and size of the facility agreed upon, then construction requirements and costs can be
developed and a detailed proposal formed for consideration.

The document will include;

 Feasibility Study
 EIA Studies/Report
 Geotechnical Survey
 Detailed construction design.
 Detailed mechanical design.
 Detailed electrical design
 Detailed gas exstraction and storage design
 Operations manual.
 Maintenance manual.
 Product recovery (gas, water, fertiliser) manual.
 Land farm recommendations.
 Operation and maintenance for a minimum of 3 years proposal.

We hope this helps our client in their deliberations and look forward to a successful business partnership in cleaning up Nigeria.

ECOLEGAL SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED