E-Waste Mountain Poses Serious Health Risks in Nigeria

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The African countries, especially Nigeria, are at the risk of serious health hazards posed by rising volumes of electronic waste. For instance, the country’s waterways are being polluted by lead substances leaching out of e-waste. The situation may likely lead to complicated health issues, unless the governments in the region rise to the occasion to tackle the crisis.

Focusing on Nigeria, the country itself is a key generator of e-waste in the region. The country emerged as the leading e-waste generator in West Africa, producing 461.3 kilotonnes of e-waste in 2019. It was ranked second in the entire African continent, second after Egypt. In addition, the country still continues to receive tonnes of electronic waste from developed countries, including Germany, China, the UK, Belgium and the U.S. The average e-waste imports into the country during recent years are estimated at around 60,000 to 71,000 tonnes, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

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As per ITU findings, computer and its accessories accounted for nearly 60% of the total e-waste generated in Nigeria. Mobile devices accounted for 25%, whereas photocopiers and other office equipment accounted for the remaining 15%.

Although Nigeria happens to be one among the few countries in the region to have specific e-waste legislation in place, the enforcement of legislation remains challenging.