By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have strongly opposed the federal government’s bid to import non-hazardous waste from the European Union (EU), warning that such a move would worsen the country’s already severe waste management crisis.
This protest follows Nigeria’s application, alongside 23 other non-OECD countries, to the European Commission for inclusion on a list of nations eligible to import waste from the EU.
In a joint statement, Nigerian environmental groups including GAIA Nigeria, CODAF, EDEN, ZeWA, and RDI, denounced the government’s involvement in what they described as “waste colonialism.”
The groups highlighted Nigeria’s waste management struggles, noting that the country generates over 32 million tons of waste annually, with Lagos alone producing approximately 13,000 metric tons daily.
“A significant portion of this waste remains uncollected, ending up in open dumpsites, drains, or being burned,” the CSOs said.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, speaking on behalf of GAIA Nigeria, emphasized the environmental and health risks of inadequate waste management.
“Plastics clog waterways, causing severe urban flooding, while open burning of waste releases toxic chemicals, leading to respiratory diseases,” he explained. “Additionally, landfill leachates contaminate soil and groundwater, posing long-term risks to food security and public health.”
Despite the country’s existing waste challenges, Nigeria has applied to import waste from the EU, a move that requires non-OECD countries to demonstrate their ability to manage waste in an environmentally sound manner, similar to EU standards.
However, this requirement is not currently feasible for Nigeria, which is already struggling with insufficient waste management systems.
Faith Paulinus, Coordinator of Zero Waste Ambassadors, criticized the decision, questioning the logic behind Nigeria’s application when the country faces “weak enforcement of waste policies, limited recycling infrastructure, and low public awareness.”
She added, “The government struggles with inadequate funding for waste management programs, leaving Nigeria reliant on informal and often unsafe waste disposal methods.”
Chima Williams, Executive Director of EDEN, warned that additional waste imports could overburden Nigeria’s already strained waste management systems.
“This decision contradicts Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable waste management and could turn the country into a dumping ground for Europe’s waste,” he cautioned.
Richard Benin from CODAF reminded the government of Nigeria’s commitment to increasing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), particularly in waste management. He called for a ban on waste imports and urged the government to focus on managing local waste more effectively.
“Nigeria must focus on managing local waste rather than becoming a dumping ground for foreign waste,” he said. He also advocated for investing in recycling infrastructure and promoting public awareness on waste management.
The CSOs have called on the Nigerian government to reject the importation of waste and instead prioritize sustainable waste management strategies that empower local communities.
This is particularly critical given the EU’s upcoming ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries, which will take effect in November 2026.
The groups also urged Nigeria to ratify the Bamako Convention, which prohibits the import of hazardous waste into Africa, to safeguard both the environment and public health.
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