A 2016 study by Basel Action Network, BAN, a global body fighting for a cleaner environment, has revealed that about 500,000 used computers 75 percent of which are junks and unserviceable, were imported into the country annually.
The Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Ibukun Odushotu, made this known on Tuesday at the official launch of the project "Circular Economy Approaches For the Electronics Sector In Nigeria,” organized by the National Environmental Standard Regulatory Enforcement Agency, NESREA.
Odushotu who was represented by the Federal Controller of the ministry, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Agbola, said that the 2016 study also showed that estimated 60,000 tonnes of used electrical and electronic wastes in containers were imported into Nigeria annually through the Lagos ports, including imports from neighboring countries.
“According to the findings of the Basel Action Network and Basel center; Nigeria’s study, about 500,000 used computers are imported into the country annually through the Lagos ports alone and an estimated 25 percent of the imports were functional electronics while the remaining 75 percent were junked or unserviceable which are eventually burnt or dumped.
“Furthermore the study also showed a 2016 estimated 60,000 tonnes of used electrical and electronic waste of containers are imported into Nigeria per year only via the Lagos ports, including imports over landing through neighboring countries, with most imported Used Electrical and Electronic, UEE, equipment; partially functioning and most of them still remain none functional.
“They say Nigeria may have imported at least 15,700 tonnes of e-waste most of which are SCD television containing mercury; refrigerators and air conditioners containing HCL6. In an effort to curb the growing concerns of waste, including e-waste in the country, the federal government provided the legal framework and established NESREA, an institutional mechanism with the mandate to control and prevent processes or technology that undermine environmental quality.”
