Management and Economics
| Open Access | Geospatial Intelligence for Environmental Compliance: Applying GIS to Regulatory Monitoring and Waste Management in Nigeria
Oluwatayo Martha Odutayo , Ministry of Environment, NigeriaAbstract
Nigeria faces persistent challenges in waste management and regulatory compliance, including illegal dumping, insufficient monitoring coverage, and weak enforcement capacity. This study develops and applies a geospatial intelligence framework designed to improve regulatory monitoring and optimize inspection scheduling in major urban areas. A harmonized geodatabase was constructed using satellite imagery, administrative records, and field inspection data. Spatial analyses, including hotspot detection and buffer proximity assessment, were performed to identify priority areas for intervention. Results revealed significant clustering of illegal dumpsites near residential zones and waterways, underscoring the need for targeted enforcement and infrastructure investment. Implementation of GIS-enabled monitoring produced measurable improvements in compliance rates across study areas, with average gains exceeding 20 percentage points. Route optimization models further reduced inspector travel distance and improved coverage efficiency. The decision-support dashboard provided an intuitive interface for regulators to visualize risks, schedule inspections, and log violations in real time. Findings suggest that integrating geospatial intelligence into Nigeria’s regulatory workflow can transform compliance monitoring from reactive to proactive, enhance transparency, and support evidence-based policy. This approach offers a scalable model for other developing countries seeking to modernize environmental governance and advance sustainable urban development goals.
Keywords
Geospatial intelligence, regulatory compliance, waste management, Nigeria, spatial analysis, inspection optimization.
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