By Awyetu Asabe Hope
A US-based Nigerian public health professional, Sodiq Omotosho, has called for stronger, data-driven systems to tackle Nigeria’s growing electronic waste crisis.
In a statement on Sunday, Omotosho urged authorities to move beyond basic recycling by integrating hazard monitoring, compliance enforcement and data analysis tools to track risks and guide public health interventions.
E-waste—ranging from discarded phones to batteries—poses serious environmental and health risks when poorly managed, releasing toxic substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium.
Omotosho, who studied at Kwara State University and later in the United States, has co-authored research on the economic, environmental and technological dimensions of e-waste management, including the use of robotics for safer dismantling.
He currently works as an environmental compliance specialist in Georgia, where he conducts inspections and supports adherence to environmental health regulations.
His call comes amid renewed concern in Nigeria, with Dapo Abiodun recently warning that unsafe handling of e-waste poses severe health risks and vowing stronger environmental safeguards.
Nigeria generates over 500,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
