Nigeria Warns Against Rising Illegal E-Waste Imports

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The E-Waste Producer Responsibility Organization of Nigeria (EPRON) has highlighted the environmental and health hazards caused by rising volumes of imported electronic waste.

In a statement issued in Lagos, Ibukun Faluyi, Executive Secretary, EPRON noted that the country continues to remain as a favourite destination for illegal trans-boundary shipment of end of life electrical and electronic equipment, despite government’s efforts to contain the same.

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A major component of illegal e-waste shipment into the country is cathode ray tube (CRT) screen, comprising of devices such as televisions and monitors. CRT screens are highly toxic as they contain around 35% of lead oxide. The presence of huge volumes of lead leads to environment pollution and results in health risks, if inhaled. Unfortunately, most of these CRTs end up in dump sites.

The government had introduced a legislation to ensure Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of e-waste to fight importation of e-waste. However, despite this, around 260 tonnes of CRT are illegally imported to Nigeria every year. Since 2019, nearly six importers have been apprehended for importing CRT tubes.

EPRON advised importers to ensure that they import only tested and functional used electronic and electrical waste, in line with regulations.