By Moyofoluwa Ogunyemi & Oluwasola Marinho
Historically dependent on crude oil as its primary revenue source, Nigeria has been actively working to diversify its economy to ensure sustainable growth and reduce vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations. Key sectors driving this diversification include agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, ICT, and renewable energy. As Nigeria expands its industrial base, electronic waste (e-waste) presents a unique opportunity as a source of secondary raw materials. With the increasing use of digital devices and imports of second-hand electronics, e-waste generation is constantly rising.
Electronic waste (e-waste) represents a significant yet underutilized resource in Nigeria, offering immense potential for economic growth, environmental protection, and sustainable development. E-waste comprises discarded electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, household appliances, batteries, electrical wiring, circuit boards, fluorescent lamps, and thermostats (Obaje, 2013). While e-waste contains hazardous substances such as flame retardants, potentially toxic elements, and microplastics, it also holds valuable materials such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, and rare earth metals, which can be recovered and recycled for manufacturing. In an effort to recover these valuable materials, electronic waste recyclers engage in both formal and informal recycling techniques (Ogunyemi, Oluseyi, Oyeyiola, Abdallah, & Harrad, 2025). However, improper handling of e-waste, particularly through informal recycling, exacerbates environmental pollution and public health risks. Thus, e-waste presents both environmental and health hazards while also offering economic benefits.
Beyond locally generated e-waste, which amounts to approximately 1.1 million tonnes annually, Nigeria also receives significant imports of used electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), either intentionally or unintentionally (Ideho, 2012; Abogunrin-Olafisoye & Adeyi, 2025). Upon arrival, many tonnes of these wastes and repair residues are dumped at major landfill sites in Lagos, Kano, Ogun and FCT (Ogungbuyi, Nnorom, Osibanjo, & Schluep, 2012), where they are eventually sold at ridiculous prices to “customers” on-site or off-takers in Lagos.
In 2022, approximately 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide, with only 22.3% officially documented as collected and recycled (Balde, 2024). Nigeria is regarded as the second-largest recipient of e-waste globally and the largest e-waste importing country in Africa, with an annual inflow of over four million computers and other categories of e-waste (Anselm et al., 2021). Given that Lagos is one of the largest cities and the economic hub of Nigeria, the local consumption of e-waste is considerably high. Additionally, an estimated 500,000 tonnes of e-waste are imported monthly through the Lagos port.
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The e-waste economy in Lagos revolves around seven major clusters, including Alaba International Market, Ikeja Computer Village, Ojota Scrap Market, Westminster Market, Lawanson Market, Solous Dumpsite, and Olusosun Dumpsite (Ideho, 2012). Among these, Alaba International Market and Ikeja Computer Village are the largest, serving as primary destinations for imported e-waste from Europe and the United States (Issah, Arko-Mensah, Agyekum, Dwomoh, & Fobil, 2022). Alaba e-waste dumpsite is considered one of the largest e-waste processing sites in Africa. It is also one of the oldest business hubs dedicated to refurbishing and recycling end-of-life electronic items (Manhart, Osibanjo, Aderinto, & Prakash, 2011; Anselm et al., 2021).
Opportunities in E-Waste Recycling
E-waste recycling provide several opportunities to transform environmental hazards into valuable industrial resources while generating Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Unfortunately, the lack of formalized infrastructure and proper sensitization has limited Nigeria’s ability to harness the full economic potential of this industry. E-wastes if properly recycled, can simultaneously serve as industrial inputs as underlisted:
- With appropriate formal processing, e-waste can serve as a sustainable source of raw materials for various industries, thereby reducing the strain on natural resources. Manufacturers of electrical and electronics equipment (EEE) and other sectors such as jewelry and construction can utilize recycled gold, silver, and copper from e-wastes for the production of circuit boards and connectors, and also for various applications.
- Plastics, often found in the casings of e-wastes can be processed into pellets for the production of containers, automotive parts, and packaging materials. These plastics can further be upcycled into higher-value materials like resins for paints, adhesives and coatings, enabling industries to tap into sustainable raw material alternatives.
- Glass from cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and screens can be repurposed in the electronics industry or incorporated into construction materials such as cement and concrete, thereby reducing reliance on traditional raw materials.
- E-wastes are secondary source of rare metals (Awasthi et al. 2019) such as neodymium and lanthanum, essential for producing magnets and LED displays, can be sustainably sourced through e-waste recycling.
- Lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries can be recycled to recover valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which can then be reused in the production of new batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
- Components such as processors, memory chips, and screens can often be refurbished and reused, creating affordable electronic products and reducing waste volumes.
- Through controlled incineration or pyrolysis, non-recyclable components can be converted into heat, electricity, or syngas. Additionally, organic components can be broken down into fuels, further supporting industrial energy needs.
- Beyond the above-mentioned applications, e-waste can also contribute to environmental solutions. For instance, metals and plastics from e-waste can be processed into filtration media for water and air purification.
Potential Economic and Environmental Benefits
- Generates substantial government revenue through taxes, licensing fees, and export earnings.
- Creates job opportunities across various sectors, including collection, processing, and manufacturing.
- Reduces pressure on natural resources, mitigates pollution, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
- Attracts foreign investment and fosters technology transfer by formalizing the e-waste industry.
- Supports a circular economy by minimizing waste generation and contributing to global sustainability efforts.
Despite its vast potential, challenges remain in harnessing the benefits of e-waste recycling. Hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants must be carefully handled to ensure environmental and human safety. Additionally, the high costs associated with processing certain materials, such as gold and rare earth elements, can hinder widespread adoption. To address these challenges, the following measures are recommended:
- Implementation of supportive policies and regulations that incentivize formal recycling while discouraging informal practices.
- Establishment of dedicated e-waste collection centers and state-of-the-art recycling facilities for proper waste management.
- Sensitization of e-waste recyclers and the public on the benefits of proper e-waste disposal and recycling.
- Partnership and collaboration with private sector stakeholders to drive investment and innovation.
- Regulation of e-waste imports via implementation of stricter controls to reduce the influx of low-value or hazardous e-waste.
E-waste recycling represents a transformative opportunity for Nigeria to convert waste into wealth. By leveraging its vast e-waste resources, the country can generate significant economic benefits, reduce reliance on imported raw materials, create jobs, and minimize environmental impacts. With strategic investments and robust policies, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in sustainable e-waste management, advancing its economic diversification efforts while promoting environmental sustainability.
References
Anselm, O. H., Cavoura, O., Davidson, C. M., Oluseyi, T. O., Oyeyiola, A. O., & Togias, K. (2021). Mobility, spatial variation and human health risk assessment of mercury in soil from an informal e-waste recycling site, Lagos, Nigeria. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 193(7). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-021-09165-0
Balde, C. P., Kuehr. R., Yamamoto, T., McDonald, R., D’Angelo, E., & Althaf, S. The Global E-waste Monitor 2024. Bonn, Geneva: International Telecommunication Union, United Nations Institute for Training and Resources; 2024 (https://ewastemonitor.info/)
Ideho, B. A. (2012). E-Waste Management: A Case Study of Lagos State, Nigeria. 77
Issah, I., Arko-Mensah, J., Agyekum, T. P., Dwomoh, D., & Fobil, J. N. (2022). Health Risks Associated with Informal Electronic Waste Recycling in Africa: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 8–10. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114278
Obaje, S. O. (2013). Electronic Waste Scenario in Nigeria: Issues, Problems And Solutions. International Journal of Engineering Science Invention ISSN (Online, 2(11), 2319–6734.
Ogungbuyi, O., Nnorom, I. C., Osibanjo, O., & Schluep, M. (2012). E-waste Country Assessment Nigeria: E-waste Africa project of the Secretariat of the Basel Convention. Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Nigeria and Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Switzerland.-2012.-93 p, (August 2015)
Ogunyemi, M. O., Oluseyi, T. O., Oyeyiola, A. O., Abdallah, M. A., & Harrad, S. (2025). Global review of PCBs and chemical flame retardants in e-waste recycling sites: Addressing geographic imbalances. Emerging Contaminants, 11(1), 100426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emcon.2024.100426
