SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN AVIATION HUBS: THE CASE OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Abstract

This study investigated the types of refuse generated, methods of storage, and gender-based perceptions of the health effects of improper refuse disposal at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted, using a sample of 383 airport workers selected through simple random sampling from a population of 1,574. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha = 0.78) and analyzed using SPSS with both descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square, p ≤ 0.05). Results revealed that the most common types of refuse included rags (68.9%), nylon/polythene bags (64.3%), waste paper (57.5%), and food waste (44.1%). The predominant storage methods were garbage bags (mean = 3.10), polythene bags (mean = 3.03), and drums (mean = 2.74), all exceeding the decision criterion (mean = 2.50). Gender differences were noted in the perception of health impacts, with females reporting higher agreement than males on various adverse effects such as environmental pollution, toxic exposure, contamination, and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases. The study recommends public health education and stricter enforcement of waste management regulations at the airport.