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E-waste management in Nigeria is a critical environmental issue that has garnered increasing attention in recent years. With the rapid growth of technology and the ever-shortening lifespan of electronic devices, the country faces a burgeoning problem of discarded electronic products, such as phones, computers, and household appliances.

Current management practices, however, are inadequate to cope with the volume and complexity of e-waste being generated. This requires urgent reform to safeguard the environment, public health, and the economy.

Nigeria’s e-waste management system is largely informal, with a significant portion of electronic waste handled by informal recyclers who lack the appropriate tools and knowledge for safe e-waste disposal. Informal workers often extract valuable metals from discarded electronics, but in doing so, release harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment. This method not only poses health risks to the workers involved but also results in severe environmental pollution, including soil contamination and water pollution.

Despite some existing legal frameworks, such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Basel Convention on Hazardous Waste, enforcement remains weak. The lack of enforcement of policies has led to a thriving market for imported second-hand electronics, much of which ends up as waste after a short lifespan. This exacerbates the e-waste crisis in Nigeria, further straining its already inadequate waste management infrastructure.

Recommendations for improvement

Formalisation of the Recycling Sector: A significant portion of e-waste is handled by informal sectors, which operate with little to no oversight. The government should focus on formalizing these operations by providing training and financial support to small-scale recyclers. By integrating informal workers into a formal system, Nigeria can ensure safer handling of hazardous materials and more efficient recycling processes. This could also create more jobs within the sector, contributing to economic growth.

Strengthening Enforcement of EPR and Basel Convention: Nigeria has adopted policies like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which places the onus of recycling on the producers of electronic products. However, enforcement of these policies has been weak. Strengthening the legal framework and ensuring compliance through penalties for violators will encourage producers to participate in the proper disposal of their products at the end of their life cycle. Moreover, adherence to international agreements like the Basel Convention can curb illegal importation of electronic waste from other countries, which contributes to Nigeria’s e-waste burden.

Investment in Recycling Infrastructure: One of the most significant gaps in Nigeria’s e-waste management system is the lack of adequate recycling facilities. The government, in partnership with the private sector, should invest in building state-of-the-art recycling plants that can handle complex e-waste components. Special attention should be given to processing hazardous materials safely and efficiently. Establishing regional recycling centers across the country would ensure that e-waste can be processed close to where it is generated, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact.

Public Awareness and Education Campaigns: Many Nigerians are unaware of the dangers posed by improper disposal of e-waste and the potential value of recycling electronic goods. Public education campaigns should be launched to inform citizens about the environmental and health risks associated with e-waste and to promote recycling. Such campaigns could encourage consumers to return their end-of-life electronics to authorized collection centers rather than discarding them irresponsibly.

Incentivising Recycling: Offering incentives, such as buy-back programs, for consumers to return their old electronic devices could encourage more responsible disposal of e-waste. Similar programs have been successful in other countries, where consumers receive a discount or financial reward for turning in old devices. These programs not only reduce the amount of e-waste sent to landfills but also ensure that valuable materials can be recovered and reused.

Promoting Eco-Design and Product Longevity: The Nigerian government should also encourage manufacturers to adopt eco-design principles, which prioritize sustainability and ease of recycling in the design of electronic products. Furthermore, promoting the production of electronics with longer lifespans will reduce the rate at which e-waste is generated. Manufacturers could also be encouraged to make their products more repairable, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Nigeria’s current e-waste management system is inadequate to meet the challenges posed by the growing volume of electronic waste. However, by formalizing the recycling sector, strengthening legal frameworks, investing in infrastructure, raising public awareness, and incentivising recycling, the country can make significant strides toward a sustainable e-waste management system.

Such improvements will not only protect the environment and public health but also unlock economic opportunities in the burgeoning global e-waste recycling industry. With the right policies in place, Nigeria can turn its e-waste challenge into an opportunity for sustainable growth.

Dada, a graduate of Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia, writes from Estonia.