CHALLENGES OF ELECTRONIC WASTE IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY PLANNING

Abstract

End-of-life electronics, otherwise known as e-waste, have steadily become a visible threat to the environment with the electronic industry fast becoming the world’s largest manufacturing industry and also, arguably, the industry with the shortest life span products, it is essential that the method of disposing of the resultant e-waste has become an integral part of electronic manufacture and consumption. This study seeks to examine the challenges of electronic waste in Nigeria. The study revealed that even though health hazards are associated with the interaction with e-waste, it is evident that stakeholders in the informal management of e-waste were willing to continue in trade due to the economic benefits it offers. Though there is provision for management of hazardous waste in the national policy guidelines as well as regulations set by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency for the importation of electronic The lack of effective management systems and implementation creates a loophole for the presence of e-waste in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that the creation of a worldwide information sharing system for hazardous chemicals in EEE and WEEE that takes into account the whole supply chain and the promotion of labelling systems to notify users of product dangers, the necessity for recycling, and the mechanisms in place for safe disposal.