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All Journal R.E.M (Rekyasa Energi Manufaktur) Jurnal Indonesian Journal of Engineering and Technology (INAJET) Journal of Sustainable Construction Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure
Unegbu, Hyginus
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Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Computer Science & IT Electrical & Electronics Engineering Engineering Environmental Science Mechanical Engineering Transportation

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Revolutionizing Nigeria's Construction Sector: A Resilient Circular Economy Framework for Sustainable Urban Development Unegbu, Hyginus
Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Sustainable Infrastructure Breakthroughs: From Concrete to Circularity
Publisher : Fakultas Perencanaan Infrastruktur, Universitas Pertamina

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61078/jsi.v4i2.46

Abstract

The adoption of circular economy (CE) practices is essential for fostering sustainability in the construction sector, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria. This study investigates the barriers, opportunities, and strategies for advancing CE adoption in Nigeria’s construction industry. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys of 285 construction firms, semi-structured interviews with 40 stakeholders, and system dynamics modeling to evaluate policy scenarios. The findings reveal a low adoption rate of CE principles (18%), with large firms (42%) significantly outpacing SMEs (9%). Urban areas showed higher adoption rates (26%) compared to rural regions (12%), attributed to better access to infrastructure, market-driven incentives, and regulatory enforcement. Key barriers include high financial costs, regulatory gaps, and limited access to advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). Opportunities for accelerating CE adoption were identified, including public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bridge financial and technical gaps, increasing demand for sustainable practices from multinational clients, and integrating CE principles into educational curricula to address skill shortages. System dynamics modeling demonstrated that high policy interventions—combining financial incentives, regulatory reforms, and capacity-building initiatives—could achieve a 60% reduction in construction waste and a 40% improvement in resource efficiency by 2035. This study underscores the need for comprehensive policies, collaborative initiatives, and educational reforms to enable Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable construction sector. By aligning national strategies with global sustainability goals, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria can position itself as a regional leader in sustainable construction.
Development of a Waste Plastic-to-Fuel Conversion System for Sustainable Energy Generation in Urban Nigeria Unegbu, Hyginus; YAWAS, Danjuma
R.E.M. (Rekayasa Energi Manufaktur) Jurnal Vol 10 No 2 (2025): December
Publisher : Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21070/r.e.m.v10i2.1775

Abstract

Plastic waste pollution has emerged as a critical environmental and public health concern in Nigeria’s rapidly urbanising regions, where improper disposal and inefficient waste management systems persist. In parallel, the country faces acute energy insecurity, largely driven by erratic diesel supply and rising fossil fuel costs. This study presents the design, optimisation, and techno-environmental evaluation of a decentralised pyrolysis-based conversion system for transforming plastic waste into liquid fuel. Polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polystyrene (PS) were thermally degraded at controlled temperatures between 350°C and 500°C under inert conditions. Experimental trials revealed that oil yield increased with temperature, peaking at 450°C for all polymers. PP demonstrated the highest yield (65.1%) followed by PS (63.0%), HDPE (62.5%), and LDPE (60.4%). Fuel characterisation showed calorific values of up to 42.7 MJ/kg and physicochemical properties within acceptable diesel standards. Emissions analysis using flue gas monitoring confirmed low outputs of CO, NOx, and SO₂, all within Euro VI regulatory limits. Energy efficiency was highest for PP-derived fuel at 71.4%. Techno-economic modelling, based on a 10-year operational horizon, produced a net present value of ₦11.8 million, an internal rate of return of 28.4%, and a break-even fuel price of ₦290/litre. Statistical modelling further validated temperature and polymer type as primary determinants of yield performance. The findings demonstrate that decentralised plastic pyrolysis systems can simultaneously address urban waste accumulation, reduce environmental emissions, and provide affordable alternative fuels, making them suitable for integration into Nigeria’s circular economy and energy access strategies.
Design and Fabrication of a Modular Mini-Hydro Turbine for Off-Grid Electrification in Nigeria’s Riverine Communities Unegbu, Hyginus; YAWAS, Danjuma
R.E.M. (Rekayasa Energi Manufaktur) Jurnal Vol 11 No 1 (2026): In Progress
Publisher : Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21070/r.e.m.v11i1.1776

Abstract

This research presents the design, simulation, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a modular crossflow mini-hydro turbine engineered to address persistent energy access challenges in Nigeria’s off-grid riverine communities. The system was conceived to operate efficiently under low-head, variable-flow conditions typical of inland watercourses, using a fully modular design framework that emphasises ease of deployment, maintenance, and scalability. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was employed during the design phase to optimise internal flow characteristics, nozzle geometry, and runner-blade profiles. The turbine achieved a hydraulic efficiency of 62% to 68% and produced a consistent power output of 300–340 W per module across a range of flow conditions. Empirical testing validated the CFD predictions with deviations remaining under 7%, confirming the design’s reliability. Environmental assessments revealed noise and vibration levels well within rural acceptability thresholds, and casing integrity was preserved under continuous operational testing. A key innovation of the system lies in its modular configuration. All primary components—including the shaft-runner assembly, generator unit, and control interface—were designed to be independently replaceable using basic tools. Scalability tests confirmed that dual-module operation retained 92% efficiency, demonstrating the viability of phased expansion in community-scale installations. The turbine aligns with national electrification objectives and offers a replicable, context-sensitive solution for rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa. The study contributes a practical and scalable model for clean energy deployment, advancing the case for modular micro-hydro systems as critical infrastructure in remote and underserved regions.
Overcoming Barriers to Integrating Circular Economy in Nigerian Infrastructure Design and Construction Unegbu, Hyginus; Yawas, Danjuma Saleh; Dan-asabe, Bashar; Alabi, Abdulmumin Akoredeley
Journal of Sustainable Construction Vol 5 No 2 (2026): Journal of Sustainable Construction
Publisher : Universitas Katolik Parahyangan

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/josc.v5i2.9269

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles into Nigerian infrastructure projects, identifying key barriers and proposing effective countermeasures. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and semi-structured interviews with 100 stakeholders, including policymakers, construction professionals, and academic experts. The analysis revealed significant barriers across economic, technical, policy, and social dimensions. Economic challenges included high initial costs and limited financial resources. Technical barriers were characterized by a lack of expertise and insufficient infrastructure for sustainable materials. Policy and regulatory obstacles highlighted inadequate policies and poor enforcement, while social barriers pointed to resistance to change and low awareness of CE benefits. Proposed countermeasures included implementing government incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies, fostering public-private partnerships to leverage combined resources and expertise, and launching education and awareness campaigns to build capacity and support for CE practices. The findings have significant implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive national CE policy framework and collaborative efforts to promote sustainability. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of CE integration and explore innovative solutions to overcome identified barriers.
Co-Authors Alabi, A.A. Alabi, Abdulmumin Akoredeley Dan-asab, B. Dan-asabe, B. Dan-asabe, Bashar Yawas, D.S. YAWAS, Danjuma Yawas, Danjuma S. Yawas, Danjuma Saleh Yawasa, D.S.