Leading civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have strongly criticized the Federal Government’s decision to apply for the importation of non-hazardous waste from the European Union (EU), warning that such a move could escalate the country’s already severe waste management crisis.
The backlash follows reports that Nigeria, alongside 23 other non-OECD countries, submitted applications to the European Commission (EC) for inclusion on the list of nations eligible to receive waste from the EU before the February 21 deadline.
In a joint statement, Nigerian 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 move as “waste colonialism,” arguing that Nigeria lacks the infrastructure to manage even its domestic waste effectively.
Nigeria’s Waste Management Crisis
According to the CSOs, Nigeria generates over 32 million tons of waste annually, with Lagos alone producing about 13,000 metric tons daily. Yet, due to weak waste management infrastructure, a significant portion remains uncollected, ending up in open dumpsites, waterways, or being incinerated—causing severe environmental and public health hazards.
“The informal waste sector plays a crucial role in recycling, yet it operates with little recognition or support,” the CSOs stated. “Without proper investment in waste management, recycling facilities, and a strategic reduction in plastic production, Nigeria will only deepen its waste crisis.”
Dr. Leslie Adogame of SRADev Nigeria, speaking on behalf of GAIA Nigeria members, warned that mismanaged waste has devastating consequences.
“Plastics clog waterways, worsening urban flooding, while open waste burning releases toxic chemicals linked to respiratory diseases. Landfill leachates also contaminate soil and groundwater, threatening food security and public health,” he explained.
Under EU regulations, non-OECD countries seeking to import waste must demonstrate that they can manage it under environmentally sound conditions equivalent to those in the EU. However, campaigners argue that Nigeria’s existing waste challenges make such an equivalence impossible.
Faith Paulinus, Coordinator of Zero Waste Ambassadors and Lead of Governance Reforms and Anti-Corruption at Policy Alert, questioned the rationale behind Nigeria’s application.
“With weak enforcement of waste policies, limited recycling infrastructure, and low public awareness of sustainable waste practices, how does the government intend to manage foreign waste when it is already struggling with local waste?” she asked.
Echoing similar concerns, Chima Williams, Executive Director of EDEN, warned that importing additional waste could further overwhelm landfills, increase pollution, and undermine local recycling industries.
“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.
The CSOs urged the government to ban waste imports and prioritize local waste management instead of exposing Nigeria to environmental and health risks.
Richard Benin, Executive Director of CODAF, reminded authorities that Nigeria’s commitment to increasing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from 43% to 45% includes obligations in the waste management sector.
“Nigeria must take a stand against waste imports and instead focus on sustainable waste policies,” he said. “This includes investing in recycling infrastructure, enforcing waste reduction policies, supporting informal waste pickers, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and launching public awareness campaigns.”
The CSOs also called on Nigeria to ratify and fully 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 21, 2026, environmental advocates insist that Nigeria must act now to safeguard its environment and public health.
