Zero Waste Manufacturing Practices in Nigerian Industrial Zones: Resource Recovery Rates Analysis

Zero waste manufacturing practices have gained traction in global industrial sectors as a means to minimise environmental impact and enhance resource efficiency. In Nigeria, however, these practices are less prevalent, particularly within industrial zones where resource management is critical for sustainable development. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative case studies of selected industrial zones. Data collection includes surveys, interviews, and audits conducted by trained researchers over a period of six months. Initial findings suggest that the average resource recovery rate from zero waste manufacturing initiatives in Nigerian industrial zones is approximately 25%, indicating significant room for improvement through targeted policy interventions and technological upgrades. The study concludes that while there are notable successes, particularly in terms of energy conservation and water recycling, substantial barriers remain, including inadequate waste management infrastructure and low levels of awareness among stakeholders. To enhance resource recovery rates, the paper recommends a combination of government incentives for sustainable practices, public-private partnerships to facilitate technology transfer, and educational programmes targeting industrial zone operators and workers. The maintenance outcome was modelled as $Y_{it}=\beta_0+\beta_1X_{it}+u_i+\varepsilon_{it}$, with robustness checked using heteroskedasticity-consistent errors.