Nigeria, the most populous African nation, is now an essential point of evolution toward digital transformation. 

Electronic device adoption has quickened to develop economic progress and establish connectivity across varied regions. 

The technological innovations we witness are escalating the e-waste issue, which creates significant difficulties regarding public welfare, environmental stability, and social equality.​

The Escalating E-Waste Challenge in Nigeria

Electronic waste (e-waste) is the collection of discarded electronic devices, including cell phones, computers, TVs, and appliances. 

Nigeria is one of the leading destinations for e-waste, receiving large amounts of used electronics. 

Studies show that Nigeria receives at least 15,600 metric tons of non-functional used electronic equipment (UEEE) yearly, which contains mercury and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as hazardous substances (E-Waste Monitor).

E-waste enters Nigeria at high volumes, although the nation officially recycles a minimal amount. 

The informal sector handles most of the e-waste, which they recycle using risky, unprofessional techniques that harm the environment and people's health. 

When informal processing involves open burning and acid baths, hazardous substances pass through environmental degradation. 

Environmental and Health Waste Implications

Nigerian society faces serious medical risks and environmental deterioration because e-waste disposal handling operations lack proper management. 

Ecosystems become contaminated due to toxic substance deposition in the soil and water, resulting in severe health dangers for nearby community members. 

Standards of evidence in Nigeria reveal that electronic waste sites create a health emergency that takes newborns and infants in surrounding areas as casualties.​

Green Startups Pioneering E-Waste Solutions

Numerous new ventures within Nigeria take charge of sustainable e-waste management to address the mounting e-waste crisis, like: 

• E-Terra is the leading company in Nigeria's e-waste recycling industry. It provides safe electronic waste recycling, data destruction services, and computer device refurbishment.

• Wecyclers, based in Lagos, has developed a waste collection model that rewards community members for their involvement in waste management schemes.

• Greenhill Recycling is committed to reducing electronic waste through its responsible waste recycling operations.​

So, ​the startups create jobs, address environmental issues, and promote community-beneficial waste management.

The Role of Policy and Regulation

Nigerian authorities recognize the gravity of e-waste issues and have implemented regulations.

• National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) 

It has become the leading authority to enforce environmental laws encompassing Nigeria's e-waste management policies. The agency works to establish the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle by making manufacturers responsible for product lifecycles from beginning to end during disposal.​

• Circular Economy Approaches for the Electronics Sector Project 

It works to improve extended producer responsibility implementation while educating people about hazardous e-waste impacts in Nigeria.​

Note: Enforcing national mandates in businesses is difficult.​

Economic Potential of E-Waste Recycling

The recycling of electronic waste creates substantial economic prospects for Nigeria. 

The global e-waste output reached 62 million tonnes in 2022, which held valuable materials at approximately $91 billion. 

The efficient practice of recycling helps recover valuable resources, save primary raw materials, and create new employment opportunities in a sustainable economy. 

E-waste resources in Nigeria can reduce foreign raw material imports, create jobs, and improve environmental sustainability.

Challenges in E-Waste Management

Various barriers prevent Nigeria from achieving effective e-waste management beyond the successful government projects and startup initiatives initiated by green organizations.

• Informal Recycling Practices: Informal recyclers handle significant amounts of e-waste that steer toward the destructive practices of acid baths and open burning to extract valuables.

• Lack of Awareness: Many consumers do not realize the dangers of improper electronic product disposal or the benefits of recycling.​

• Lack of Infrastructure: E-waste cannot be adequately handled due to a lack of recycling facilities.​

• Limitations: E-waste policies are poorly enforced nationwide. Due to illegal waste disposal and e-waste export, musical collections are an environmental issue.

Strategies for Improvement 

The following steps should be taken to address current issues and improve e-waste management in Nigeria. 

• Policy and Enforcement: Improve e-waste policies by implementing more effective Nigerian government-supervised enforcement systems. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which holds manufacturers accountable for their products from production to disposal, needs more enforcement.

• Investing in Formal Recycling Infrastructure: Formal recycling facilities need investment to build processing centers that employ technological equipment to streamline e-waste operations.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns must educate people about proper e-waste disposal practices. Consumer, business, and educational education can promote waste management and recycling habits across society.

• Incentivizing Sustainable Innovation: The government and investors must support sustainable innovation by backing entrepreneurs who solve the e-waste challenge. Through grants, subsidies, and public-private partnerships, the growth of innovative

Conclusion: 

Nigeria's rising electronic waste threatens public health, the environment, and the economy.

The existing e-waste crisis enables profitable product production from waste materials through advanced recycling procedures and solid legal frameworks supported by community engagement. 

When these strategies are implemented, sustainable e-waste management leadership in Nigeria will improve future health and equity.