By Abdullahi Lukman
A proposal by the European Union (EU) to include Nigeria on a list of countries authorized to receive non-hazardous waste for recovery has ignited fierce opposition from environmental advocates, particularly the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF).
The group alleges this move is a form of “waste colonialism,” exploiting Nigeria’s environmental vulnerabilities.
HOMEF asserts that Nigeria is already burdened with significant pollution from oil and gas extraction, mining, plastics, and genetically modified foods.
They argue that importing any form of waste, even if labeled non-hazardous, would exacerbate existing environmental damage.
“For a country already almost overwhelmed by these issues, seeking approval to import waste of any kind is not only ill-advised but also ecocidal and dangerous,” stated HOMEF.
The organization highlights the prevalence of e-waste dumping in Nigeria, with sources including China, the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, the UAE, and Morocco.
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It contend that even “non-hazardous” waste can contain harmful elements.
Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF’s Executive Director, criticized the Nigerian government’s alleged willingness to prioritize economic gain over public health.
He pointed to the nation’s low life expectancy and struggling healthcare system, questioning the logic of importing waste when domestic waste management is already a challenge.
“This move exposes the government’s willingness to discount the wellbeing of citizens for a mess of porridge,” Bassey said.
HOMEF and other concerned Nigerians reject the EU proposal, viewing it as an attempt to transform Nigeria and other African nations into waste dumps.
They cite the substantial volume of EU waste exports, valued at €18.5 billion in 2023, and question the long-term environmental impact on recipient countries.
The organization also drew parallels to a controversial 1991 memo by former World Bank Chief Economist Lawrence Summers, who suggested that dumping waste in less developed countries was economically logical.
HOMEF argues that the EU’s proposal aligns with this perspective, indicating a willingness to exploit vulnerable nations for waste disposal.
