![]() 5 The waste poses significant human health and environmental challenges when improperly disposed of, due to the presence of several lethal chemicals or substances contained in such wastes, including heavy metals such as mercury, lead, beryllium, bromine and organic compounds of chlorine. 4 It is reputedly the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. E-waste is variously defined in different contexts to involve waste electrical electronic equipment ( WEEE) including old, discarded or end-of-life EEE. 3 However, the increased consumption of used EEE in Africa has led to a corresponding increase in volumes of e-waste generated within the region. 2 Such imports have clearly been vital in bridging the difference in digital access between African countries and developed countries (the digital divide), and consequently, improving the socio-economic development of their citizenry. 1 The trend is fuelled by the high level of consumption of electrical and electronic equipment ( EEE), particularly used and discarded equipment imported from mostly developed countries. There is no doubt that many African countries are feeling the negative impacts of the transboundary movement of electrical and electronic waste, popularly known as e-waste, as the region is emerging as a destination of choice for the dumping of such waste. The article thus argues for a shift in policy from outright ban of e-waste imports into Nigeria to more effective regulation and sustainable management. It posits that the ban does not show an appreciation of the socio-economic realities and the generally weak regulatory climate in the country. The failure of the ban in curbing the transboundary movement of e-waste into Nigeria obliges policy makers to come up with new and innovative means to address this issue. However, the effectiveness of the ban is doubtful, as the importation of non-functional electrical and electronic equipment ( EEE) or near-end-of-life EEE (which is classified as e-waste in Nigeria), is still thriving. The country has had an unsavoury history with the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, and this has likely influenced its strict legislative response to such imports, including the decision to ban the transboundary movement of e-waste. ![]() This article explores the regulation of transboundary movement of e-waste into Nigeria. ![]()
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