Indus Journal of Critical Inquiry (IJCI)

Science, Innovation, and Technology for Zero Waste in Nigerian Cities: A Review of Current Trends and Future Directions

Nnanguma, K. A. — 2024-12-29

Nigeria’s urban centers are experiencing an escalating waste management crisis, with over 32 million tonnes of solid waste generated annually and major cities like Lagos producing more than 13,000 tonnes daily. Despite this volume, national recycling rates remain below 10%, and waste segregation at the source is practiced in less than 5% of urban households. This study applies a systematic literature review of 98 relevant documents to examine the role of science, innovation, and technology (STI) in advancing zero waste practices across Nigerian cities. Results show that 50–65% of municipal waste is biodegradable, yet under 20% is processed through composting or energy recovery methods. Technological initiatives such as RFID-enabled bins, mobile waste tracking applications, and pilot waste-to-energy plants are emerging in select urban areas, notably Lagos and Abuja. Grassroots innovations—like digital reward-based recycling and community-based collection systems—have increased recycling participation by up to 40% in pilot locations. However, widespread implementation is hindered by fragmented policies, limited technical infrastructure, low public awareness, and inadequate funding. The study identifies strategic gaps in institutional coordination and scientific capacity that must be addressed to enable scalable, technology-driven waste solutions. Recommendations include establishing a national waste information system, supporting informal sector integration, scaling successful innovation models, and promoting public-private-community partnerships. The findings suggest that while the zero-waste transition in Nigeria is in its infancy, the integration of STI within policy, planning, and community engagement frameworks offers a viable path toward sustainable urban waste systems and improved environmental health.

The Influence of Social Media on the Popularity of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

Ochor Daniel Chinonso — 2024-12-29

The growing influence of social media on modern sports has transformed fan engagement, viewership, and league popularity. This study examined the impact of social media on the popularity of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), focusing on its role in shaping fan perception, increasing visibility and match attendance, and identifying challenges limiting its effectiveness. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with data collected from 300 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency analysis, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, were employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed that social media significantly influences NPFL’s popularity, with platforms like Facebook, Twitter/X, and YouTube serving as key sources of league-related content. However, while social media content positively impacts fan awareness, its effect on fan perception and support remains limited. Additionally, although social media promotions encourage match attendance, other structural challenges, such as poor content quality, inconsistent updates, and limited access to live streaming, hinder its full potential. The study concludes that a strategic approach to digital engagement, including high-quality content creation, active fan interactions, and enhanced streaming services, can improve NPFL’s marketability. It recommends that NPFL stakeholders invest in social media strategies to enhance visibility, attract sponsors, and increase overall league followership.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF INTERVENTIONS IN POST-CONFLICT ODI

Omokhodion Oseremen — 2024-12-29

This paper examines how post-conflict interventions were carried out in Odi Community of Bayelsa State. Conflict broke out in 1999 in Odi Community as a result of deprivation and struggles for resource control and environmental sustainability. This led to the military intervention which further exacerbated the crisis. The study is hinged on the Frustration-Aggression theory. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw participants for the study. A total of one hundred and one respondents were used for the study. Questionnaires were administered and interviews was conducted with residents Odi community, including Chiefs, Community Development Committee (CDC) members, women, youths and religious leaders. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. This study employed a mixed survey method using questionnaires and in-depth Interviews, official documents, and non-participant observation as methods of data collection. Quantitative data gotten from the administration of Questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages; the results presented in tables and charts. The result showed that the federal Government, the Bayelsa State Government, the Local Government area and local populations have intervened in provision of infrastructural facilities in Odi Community. There was paucity of interventions by local and International NGOs, multinational oil companies, civil societies and Faith based organization in Odi Community, moreso, the post-conflict interventions in infrastructure by Government at all levels seems to be inadequate as the residents still yearn for more basic amenities which they provide for themselves. The interventions have not focused on Agriculture, skills acquisition and job creation for youths which is capable of addressing the socio-economic challenges in post-conflict Odi Community.

The Role of Community Policing in Managing Emerging Insecurity in IMO State: An Analysis of Awareness Levels and Effectiveness

Chijioke Nkemakolam — 2024-12-29

This study examined the awareness levels and effectiveness of community policing as a strategic tool in tackling the menace of emerging insecurity in Nigeria and specifically in Imo State. It adopted cross-sectional type of research design and social control theory as its theoretical framework. In this study, the Krejcie and Morgan statistical table for sample size determination was used to come up with a sample of 384 respondents. A proportionate sampling technique was then adopted which ensures that each local government area is represented in the sample, according to its population size. The data collection instrument utilized was a structured questionnaire. Tables and simple percentages were used to analyse the data that were collected. Results revealed an unappreciable level of awareness of community policing and its ineffectiveness was strongly acknowledged hence no breakthrough story has been recorded as a result of community policing. It is recommended that adequate awareness should be raised about the importance of community policing through effective sensitization efforts in the communities. Government should provide adequate funding of the security outfit and ensure periodic training of officers in line with international best practices to enhance its effectiveness.

DEEPFAKE DETERRENCE: CAN AI-GENERATED BLUFFS UNDERMINE PAKISTANI NUCLEAR CREDIBILITY?

Shah Faisal — 2024-12-29

This paper looks at the possibility of deepfakes through AI to discredit the reputation of the Pakistan nuclear deterrence rule. Deepfakes as an example of AI-generated material with the potential to produce hyper-realistic and artificial media have emerged as a less than ideal feature of national security and geopolitical stability. In that particular study, the impacts of deepfake on Pakistan nuclear posture are under scrutiny since it forms a crucial component of its security policy. The paper also seeks to comprehend the vulnerability of these technologies in being used to perpetrate hoax nuclear threats or misinformation that may affect the strategic credibility of Pakistan. The study adopts the mixed-methods approach in which the quantitative data collected through the analysis of social media and qualitative data through interviews of the security analysts and policymakers is used. These results indicate that although there is a possibility that deepfakes will affect the understanding of nuclear threats, the credibility that Pakistan already developed in relation to nuclear weapons, basing on its history and strategic communication, is strong. The increasing complexity of AI is however, the new threat to the international policies. The study adds its voice to the debate on the nexus of cybersecurity, nuclear security, and technological development in international relations as it urges all the stakeholders to improve their knowledge and preparedness regarding dealing with the challenges posed by AI.