ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA FOR EFFICIENT INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES

Abstract

The management of electronic waste (e-waste), a uniquely complex waste stream, has emerged as a significant environmental and public health challenge in urban centres worldwide, including Nigeria. Rapid urbanization has led to a surge in the use of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). Additionally, technological advancements, population growth, and efforts to bridge the digital divide have further contributed to the rising generation of e-waste. However, many developing countries, Nigeria included, struggle to effectively manage the growing volume of e-waste they produce. Given the increasing environmental and health hazards posed by improper e-waste disposal in Nigeria, it has become essential to establish a robust legal framework for e-waste management. This study adopted a doctrinal legal research methodology. It revealed that international environmental legal instruments on e-waste management must be ratified and domesticated to ensure efficient e-waste handling in Nigeria. Furthermore, the research found that the current national legal frameworks are inadequate and ineffective in addressing the specific challenges of e-waste management. The study concluded that while Nigeria has existing legal provisions for general waste management, these are insufficient and weak when applied specifically to e-waste. Moreover, current laws focus broadly on solid waste management and lack dedicated regulations for e-waste. To ensure effective management and alignment with international best practices, it is recommended that existing laws be reviewed and amended to include specific e-waste provisions, or that a new, standalone law be enacted exclusively for e-waste management.