…Activists warn of worsening environmental crisis, call for urgent action on sustainable waste management.
By Bunmi Yekini
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have strongly condemned the federal government’s bid to import non-hazardous waste from the European Union (EU), warning that the move could exacerbate the country’s already severe waste management crisis.
The protest follows reports that Nigeria and 23 other non-OECD countries applied to the European Commission (EC) for inclusion on the list of nations eligible to import waste from the EU. The application deadline was February 21.
In a joint statement, environmental groups—including the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Nigeria, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZeWA), and Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), denounced the government’s involvement in what they termed “waste colonialism.”
Nigeria’s Waste Crisis
Nigeria generates over 32 million tons of waste annually, with Lagos alone producing about 13,000 metric tons per day. Yet, much of this waste remains uncollected, clogging waterways, ending up in open dumpsites, or being burned.
“The informal waste sector plays a crucial role in collection and recycling, yet it operates with little recognition or support,” the CSOs said. “The lack of investment in recycling facilities and proper waste management leaves Nigeria to bear the burden.”
Dr. Leslie Adogame, speaking on behalf of GAIA Nigeria, warned of the health and environmental dangers associated with poor waste management.
“Plastics clog waterways, causing severe urban flooding, while open burning releases toxic chemicals, leading to respiratory diseases,” he said. “Additionally, landfill leachates contaminate soil and groundwater, threatening food security and public health.”
Adogame also highlighted the plight of informal waste pickers who handle most of Nigeria’s recycling without protective gear. “They are exposed to injuries, illnesses, and hazardous working conditions,” he added.
A Dangerous Policy Move
Faith Paulinus, Coordinator of Zero Waste Ambassadors and Lead of Governance Reforms at Policy Alert, questioned why Nigeria would apply to import waste while struggling with its own waste crisis.
“The government struggles with inadequate funding for waste management programs, leaving Nigeria reliant on informal and often unsafe waste disposal methods,” Paulinus noted.
Chima Williams, Executive Director of EDEN, echoed similar concerns, warning that the influx of imported waste could overwhelm landfills and weaken local recycling efforts.
“This decision contradicts Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable waste management and could turn the country into a dumping ground for Europe’s waste,” Williams said. “Weak enforcement of waste regulations raises the risk of mismanagement, leading to further environmental and health crises.”
According to the EU’s waste import rules, non-OECD countries must demonstrate their ability to manage imported waste under environmental standards equivalent to those in the EU. Activists argue that Nigeria does not meet these standards, making the government’s application both unrealistic and dangerous.
Call to Action
Richard Benin, Executive Director of CODAF, urged the government to ban waste imports and focus on managing local waste instead.
“Nigeria must prioritize sustainable waste management rather than becoming a dumping ground for foreign waste,” he said. “The government should commit to a global reduction target on plastic production, invest in recycling infrastructure, strengthen waste reduction policies, support informal waste pickers, and promote public awareness on waste management.”
The CSOs also called on the government to fully ratify and implement the Bamako Convention, which bans the importation of hazardous waste into Africa.
With the EU set to ban plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries by November 2026, activists say Nigeria must take decisive action now.
“Allowing such imports would essentially be an act of perjury,” the CSOs stated. “Nigeria must reject this dangerous path and instead build a future that safeguards both public health and the environment.”