Latest findings indicate that, while Nigerians generate e-Waste owing to various unused electronic materials, developed countries, including Germany, China, United Kingdom, Belgium and the United States of America still ship huge tones of e-Waste into Africa.
Findings revealed that components of e-Waste include large household appliances ; IT communications technology ; consumer electronics , while others account for 10 per cent. The Guardian, however, gathered that in Nigeria, the largest form of e-Waste, which is a computer and its accessories, constitute about 60 per cent, while mobile devices follow with 25 per cent. Others like photocopiers and other office equipment account for the remaining 15 per cent.
Further analysis showed that, in West Africa, Nigeria was highest; Ghana came second with 52.9kt, and Cote d’Ivoire third with 30kt. In East Africa, Ethiopia led with 58.3kt; followed by Kenya 51.2kt and Tanzania at 50.2kt. In the north, Egypt led with 585.8kt followed by Algeria 308.6kt and Morocco 164.5kt.
The report said adults and children could be exposed by inhaling toxic fumes and particulate matter, through skin contact with corrosive agents and chemicals, and by ingesting contaminated food and water. “For instance, I can say this laptop is no more useful to me, but it is a raw material to someone else, another person can say I will recycle it, and fundamentally, it is individualistic,” he stated.
Ahove, who said the worth of e-Waste generated in Nigeria runs into billions, informed that “when people come to a street, especially those Hausa boys, they collect some scraps and sell them to some companies. “There is recycling in Nigeria, but locally. But what we have not done is to develop a systemic arrangement of monitoring those who are involved in it, which is very important. These are good sources of economic upliftment for the people if well harnessed.
Ochonogor said in a country considered one of the poorest in Africa, over 90 per cent of its citizens own and use electric and electronic devices. Teniola disclosed that there are very few companies involved in the processing of electronic equipment and ensuring the proper breaking down of the components and ensure proper disposal.