INTRODUCTION

Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“EEE”) has become increasingly popular in Nigeria in the wake of burgeoning technological advancements. The proliferation of EEE has soared, positively impacting human lives even in the most remote areas. Thereby, enhancing connectivity and convenience globally. Nigeria is not alone in this, as countries such as Italy, Russia, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and Japan are reputed in this regard. While the surge in technological consumption has enhanced the capacity of computers, concurrently, it has also led to a decrease in the product’s lifespan. This has resulted in a significant increase in the annual global generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste). It is indubitable that the emergence of EEE has revolutionised the way humans live and interact, enhancing connectivity and making life a lot simpler. However, it is not without its problems. These EEE imported into Nigeria are more often than not second-hand, end-of-life, used, obsolete, and have a very short lifespan. They pack up and become e-waste after a short period of use. This has led to an increase in the annual generation of e-waste in the country, ultimately creating a big environmental challenge, especially with no clear e-waste recycling and management policies in the country. E-waste in Nigeria is mainly disposed of by dumping in dumpsites, dismantling, and open burning, which releases toxic and hazardous substances like neurotoxins, E-brominated flame retardants (BFRs), chlorine, and mercury into the atmosphere, endangering the environment and human health.

E-waste has many toxic and hazardous elements and materials that are sources of environmental pollution and contamination of groundwater, surface water, air, and soil. The risk from e-waste affects the entire ecosystem, and it is a major environmental health risk to wildlife and humans. Consequently, the implementation of effective policies and a stringent legal framework to properly address this challenge of e-waste to safeguard the environment and mitigate health risks is pertinent. It is against this backdrop that this article discusses the existing laws and regulations that govern electronic waste in Nigeria.

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