Nigerian civil society organizations (CSOs) have strongly condemned the federal government’s bid to import non-hazardous waste from the European Union (EU), warning that it could worsen the country’s already dire waste management crisis.
Their protest follows Nigeria’s application—alongside 23 other non-OECD countries—to the European Commission (EC) for inclusion on the list of nations eligible to import EU waste ahead of 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 government’s actions as “waste colonialism.”
Nigeria Worsening in Waste Management Crisis
The CSOs highlighted Nigeria’s severe waste challenges, noting that the country generates over 32 million tons of waste annually, with Lagos alone producing about 13,000 metric tons daily. Yet, much of this waste remains uncollected, clogging drains, accumulating in open dumps, or being incinerated in uncontrolled fires—exacerbating pollution and public health risks.
“The informal waste sector plays a crucial role in collection and recycling, yet it operates with little recognition or support,” the CSOs stated. “A lack of investment in sustainable waste management, recycling facilities, and plastic reduction strategies continues to leave Nigeria bearing the burden.”
Dr. Leslie Adogame, speaking for GAIA Nigeria, emphasized the devastating consequences of poor waste management: “Plastics clog waterways, triggering urban flooding, while open burning releases toxic chemicals that contribute to respiratory diseases. Landfill leachates contaminate soil and groundwater, posing long-term risks to food security and public health.”
He also noted the dire conditions of informal waste pickers, who handle much of the country’s recycling without protective gear, exposing them to injuries and illnesses. “The uncontrolled disposal of waste threatens biodiversity, harming marine and terrestrial ecosystems,” he added. Shockingly, Nigeria still lacks sanitary landfills to properly manage its growing waste problem.
Under EU regulations, non-OECD countries applying to import waste must demonstrate their capacity to manage it in an environmentally sound manner—under conditions equivalent to EU standards. The CSOs argue that Nigeria’s current waste management system fails to meet these requirements, making the government’s application deeply concerning.
Why Importing Waste is a Dangerous Move
Faith Paulinus, Coordinator of Zero Waste Ambassadors and Governance Reforms Lead at Policy Alert, questioned the rationale behind Nigeria’s application, given the country’s weak enforcement of waste policies, limited recycling infrastructure, and low public awareness of sustainable waste practices.
“The government struggles with inadequate funding for waste management, leaving Nigeria reliant on informal and often unsafe disposal methods,” Paulinus said.
Chima Williams, Executive Director of EDEN, warned that Nigeria’s waste management systems are already overwhelmed. “Additional imports could overburden landfills, worsen pollution, and further strain our inadequate recycling infrastructure,” he cautioned. “This influx could also discourage domestic waste reduction efforts, such as the recent single-use plastic ban, and undermine local recycling industries.”
He also pointed to weak enforcement of waste regulations, which raises the risk of mismanagement and environmental disasters. “This decision contradicts Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable waste management and could turn the country into a dumping ground for Europe’s waste.”
Call to Action
Richard Benin, Executive Director of CODAF, reminded the government that Nigeria’s decision to increase its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from 43% to 45% was partly due to commitments in the waste management sector.
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“Nigeria must ban waste imports and focus on managing its own waste rather than becoming a dumping ground for foreign waste,” he stated. “The government should commit to a global reduction target on plastic production within the framework of the Global Plastics Treaty, invest in environmentally sound recycling infrastructure, strengthen waste reduction policies, support informal waste pickers, implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and promote public awareness campaigns on waste management.”
The CSOs urgently called on the government to reject waste imports and prioritize sustainable waste management strategies that empower local communities and protect public health. Their concerns are especially relevant given the EU’s upcoming ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries, set to take effect on November 21, 2026.
“Nigeria must act now,” the statement concluded. “More than 27 years after its adoption, it is time for Nigeria to fully ratify and implement the Bamako Convention to protect not only the environment but also the health of its people.”
