Abstract:
Purpose – In less than a decade to Sustainable Development Goals, the urban solid waste (USW) emanating
from households, especially in developing countries, calls for concern. Several policies have been suggested and
some implemented, but the challenges facing USW management remain, especially in developing nations. Past
studies demonstrated that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies can be used to improve urban
public services. The role of 4IR in mitigating the challenges of USW is yet to receive in-depth research in
Nigeria. Thus, the study investigated 4IR role regarding mitigating the challenges facing USW.
Design/methodology/approach – Seven cities across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, were
used as the study area to achieve the research objectives via a qualitative research design. Thirty-two semi structured interviews were conducted from selected regulators, households, legislators, ICT experts, NGOs and
waste managers. A thematic approach was adopted to analyse the collated data.
Findings – Findings group the USW challenges into five categories. The 4IR technologies can be used to
manage USW; thus, they create an opportunity to integrate and promote sustainable clean cities.
Research limitations/implications – This study is confined to the 4IR role concerning mitigating the
encumbrances facing USW in Nigeria and proffered feasible policies to enhance a sustainable healthy
environment.
Practical implications – Proffered policy solutions will stir policymakers and construction practitioners to
think outside the box and offer and better understand how 4IR technologies can be utilised to mitigate those
challenges. The outcome will create sustainable clean cities as part of the implication contribution to the body of
knowledge.
Originality/value – Evidence from the reviewed literature shows a paucity of literature focussed on 4IR roles
in mitigating the encumbrances facing USW in Nigeria. Therefore, this study contributes to the existing
research work on 4IR concerning its role in enhancing USW in Nigeria and, by extension, to other developing
countries.
