FG faces criticism for importing waste from Europe

DDM News

The Federal Government is facing criticism over its plan to import Europe waste for industrial purposes.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Environmental activists and civil society organizations have condemned the decision, arguing that Nigeria already struggles with waste management.

The Director of Pollution Control at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, defended the government’s move.

She stated that Nigeria only imports two types of Europe waste for specific industrial applications.

These include mutilated rags and fibre, which are recycled into textile products like sweaters, blankets, and baby shawls.

Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) is another type of imported waste used to generate energy for cement production.

Abubakar emphasized that these imports follow strict regulations under the 1991 Basel Convention on transboundary waste movement.

She assured that the approval process involves both the exporting and importing countries to ensure proper use.

Despite these assurances, critics argue that importing Europe waste could turn Nigeria into a dumping ground for unwanted materials.

Concerns have been raised that Africa, especially Nigeria, already receives obsolete electronics and hazardous waste from developed countries.

Last month, the European Commission disclosed that Nigeria applied to import non-hazardous waste from Europe.

Alongside Nigeria, 23 other non-OECD countries submitted similar requests under the EU’s new Waste Shipments Regulation.

The EU explained that 95.6% of solid waste generated in Europe is classified as non-hazardous.

These materials include packaging, clothing, plastics, and demolition debris such as bricks, concrete, and stones.

Countries like Bangladesh, India, Morocco, Pakistan, and Ukraine also applied to receive Europe waste under the new regulations.

This decision aligns with the EU’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan to manage waste more efficiently.

However, many Nigerian environmental groups remain unconvinced by the government’s explanation.

Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative, strongly condemned the plan to import Europe waste.

He described it as “an insult to Nigerians” and questioned why the government would apply for waste imports.

Jakpor argued that waste remains waste even if labeled non-hazardous and should not be brought into Nigeria.

He noted that the country already faces serious waste management challenges, making this move unnecessary.

Jakpor criticized the mindset that anything from Europe is valuable, calling it a colonial mentality.

He urged Nigerians to reject the plan and demand better policies for local waste management.

Sani Baba, Executive Director of Citizens Free Service Forum, also voiced strong opposition to importing Europe waste.

He questioned why Nigeria is importing waste while struggling to manage its own domestic waste crisis.

Baba stressed that waste collection in Nigeria is poorly regulated, leading to environmental pollution.

He called for better funding, training for waste collectors, and improved disposal facilities.

He suggested that instead of importing waste, Nigeria should develop local recycling industries.

Despite these criticisms, Abubakar defended the government’s decision, stating that the imported waste is essential for industrial growth.

She insisted that Nigeria is not importing plastics or general waste but only materials needed for cement and textile production.

She further explained that obtaining approval under the Basel Convention is a lengthy process that can take up to 10 years.

She also stated that Europe waste is preferred for textile production because of its high quality due to colder climates.

She reassured that the government strictly monitors imported waste to prevent misuse.

She explained that the exporting country also verifies compliance to ensure waste is used for its intended purpose.

She noted that both governments inspect shipments before approval to prevent illegal dumping.

Despite these explanations, opposition to importing Europe waste continues to grow.

Critics argue that Nigeria should invest in domestic recycling instead of relying on foreign waste.

They believe the government should support local textile production using Nigerian raw materials.

Many also call for waste-to-energy initiatives to reduce reliance on imported materials.

Environmentalists warn that this decision could set a dangerous precedent for future waste imports.

They fear that Nigeria could become overly dependent on Europe waste, leading to long-term environmental problems.

Public outcry over the issue remains strong, with many Nigerians demanding transparency in government policies.

Activists are calling for public engagement and legislative oversight before approving waste import agreements.

As debates continue, questions remain about whether Nigeria should import Europe waste or focus on solving its domestic waste crisis.

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