Why Is Nigeria Importing Waste from the EU?

Nigeria is already struggling with a massive waste management crisis, yet the Federal Government has now agreed to import “non-hazardous” waste from the European Union (EU). This controversial decision, made under the EU’s Regulation 2024/1157, has triggered outrage among environmental experts and advocacy groups, who warn of potential risks to public health and the environment.

What Type of Waste is Nigeria Set to Receive?

Starting from May 21, 2027, Nigeria will begin importing various waste streams from the EU, including:

• Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)
• Paper Waste
• Textile Waste & Rags
• Fly Ash

While the government assures that these materials are “non-hazardous,” environmental watchdogs, including Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria), argue that such waste could still pose severe environmental and health risks.

Waste Colonialism? Environmental Advocates Speak Out

SRADeV Nigeria has labeled this decision as “waste colonialism”, a term used to describe how wealthier nations offload their waste onto countries with weaker environmental regulations. The organization is calling for immediate action to prevent Nigeria from becoming a dumping ground under the guise of trade agreements.

The Transparency Problem: What the Government Isn’t Saying

Experts warn that Nigeria is already overwhelmed by plastic pollution, and the lack of transparency surrounding this agreement raises serious concerns. Waste like Y-48 plastic, which requires special handling under the Basel Convention, could exacerbate the country’s environmental crisis if not properly managed. Without clear regulatory oversight, this decision could do more harm than good.

Calls for Urgent Action: What Needs to Change?

Environmental groups and concerned citizens are urging the Nigerian government to:

• Conduct a full review of the decision by the National Chemicals Management Committee (NCMC).
• Ensure transparency in all dealings with the EU regarding the waste trade agreement.
• Strengthen waste management policies to prevent Nigeria from becoming a global dumping ground.

As international discussions on waste trade regulations continue, Nigeria’s decision raises crucial questions: Is this a strategic move for resource utilization, or a step toward environmental degradation? With growing opposition, the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider before irreversible damage is done.