Application of Green Chemistry Principles in Managing Chemical Waste in Nigerian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies

The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector generates substantial volumes of chemical waste that pose environmental and occupational health hazards if not properly managed. This study examines the extent to which green chemistry principles are applied in chemical waste management practices among pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Lagos State and Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A structured survey was administered to environmental health and safety officers across fifteen manufacturing facilities, supplemented by on-site audits and review of waste management documentation. Data collected address waste minimisation strategies, solvent recovery and recycling, use of safer chemical alternatives, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance with NAFDAC and Federal Ministry of Environment standards. Quantitative waste generation data were obtained from facility records and benchmarked against industry averages from comparable economies. Findings reveal that while most facilities have formal waste disposal protocols, the application of proactive green chemistry principles, particularly atom economy optimisation and catalytic process redesign, remains limited. Solvent recovery is practised in only 40 percent of audited facilities. Barriers cited include high capital costs of green chemistry retrofits, limited local technical expertise, and weak regulatory incentives for green innovation. The study recommends the development of industry-specific green chemistry guidelines by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Nigeria, provision of fiscal incentives for cleaner production investments, and capacity-building programmes for environmental management personnel. Keywords: green chemistry, pharmaceutical waste, Lagos, Ogun State, chemical management