Integrating Technological Innovations into Environmental Sanitation Policy in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges for Ondo State

This study investigates the prospects and challenges of integrating technological innovations into environmental sanitation policy in Ondo State, Nigeria. The objective of the research is to evaluate the level of awareness, stakeholder perceptions, existing infrastructure, and institutional readiness for adopting modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and automated waste management solutions within the state’s sanitation system. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining descriptive and exploratory designs. Data were collected from 300 respondents, including government officials, sanitation workers, community leaders, and residents through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and document reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic content analysis. The findings revealed a relatively high level of awareness of technological innovations but a low rate of actual adoption, primarily due to infrastructural gaps, limited digital literacy, and insufficient political and financial commitment. Stakeholders generally perceived that the integration of technology could enhance waste monitoring, reporting, and management, while simultaneously offering new opportunities for job creation and economic growth. However, the study also identified policy fragmentation and the absence of specific regulatory frameworks as major institutional barriers. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the Ondo State Government prioritize the development of digital infrastructure and enact supportive policy reforms to enable the effective integration of technological solutions into environmental sanitation systems.