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Technology and Innovation Management for Circular Economy in Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Sector Unegbu, Hyginus; Yawas, Danjuma S.
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.v4i2.44

Abstract

This research explores the role of technology and innovation management in facilitating the adoption of Circular Economy (CE) principles within Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. As Nigeria strives to address its energy deficit through renewable energy technologies, the integration of CE practices remains limited, especially in terms of resource efficiency, waste reduction, and material recycling. Using a mixed-methods approach, including semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and a survey of renewable energy firms, this study assesses the extent of technology adoption and Circular Economy integration. The results indicate that solar photovoltaics (PV) and biomass are the most widely adopted technologies, with 80% of firms using solar PV. However, advanced Circular Economy practices, such as waste-to-energy and material regeneration, have been adopted by only 40% of firms. The research identifies several key barriers to the adoption of Circular Economy practices, including technological limitations, high initial costs, lack of government support, and low awareness. The findings underscore the pivotal role of innovation management in overcoming these barriers, particularly through the adoption of advanced technologies like solar PV and energy storage systems. The study concludes by offering policy recommendations, including the need for financial incentives, investment in research and development, and fostering collaborative innovation. These measures are essential for accelerating the adoption of Circular Economy principles, ensuring the sustainability and growth of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
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.
Ergonomic Redesign of Farm Tools to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders among Nigerian Farmers Unegbu, Hyginus; Yawasa, D.S
Jurnal Teknik Pertanian Lampung (Journal of Agricultural Engineering) Vol. 14 No. 6 (2025): December 2025
Publisher : The University of Lampung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.23960/jtepl.v14i6.2297-2315

Abstract

The persistent prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Nigerian smallholder farmers remains a critical occupational health challenge, largely due to the prolonged use of poorly designed manual farm tools. This study investigated the ergonomic redesign of traditional hoes and cutlasses using a simulation-augmented, mixed-method experimental design aimed at reducing biomechanical stress and enhancing task efficiency. A total of 220 farmers (aged 18–65, with gender-balanced representation) from southwestern Nigeria participated in the study, ensuring population diversity and practical relevance. Redesign was guided by computer-aided design (CAD) modelling, finite element analysis (FEA), and field-collected anthropometric datasets. Key ergonomic indicators included Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) for postural risk, surface electromyography (EMG) for muscle fatigue, task completion time, and the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for perceived effort. Results showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.01) across all performance metrics. REBA scores decreased from high to moderate/low risk categories, EMG activity reduced by over 30%, and task completion time improved by 33–36%. RPE scores were halved, indicating increased user comfort. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d > 1.2) confirmed the strong practical impact of the redesigned tools. While limited by short-term field exposure and a regional study scope, the research offers a replicable model for ergonomic tool development in informal agricultural systems. The findings support actionable interventions such as standardised tool design guidelines, local manufacturing protocols, and farmer training programmes. This study demonstrates that ergonomic simulation using CAD and biomechanical tools can lead to meaningful reductions in MSD risk, improved task performance, and higher usability in resource-limited farming environments.
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.