Director general of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Professor Innocent Barikor, has called for a national shift toward a circular economy as Nigeria faces a steady rise in electronic waste.
Professor Barikor made the call in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Olaide Oyedele Taiwo, chief scientific officer at the agency’s Lagos Liaison Office, at the 2025 ITREALMS E Waste Dialogue in Lagos on Thursday.
The DG said the country’s growing consumption of electronic devices has created a mounting waste stream that poses environmental and public health risks, while also holding untapped economic value.
“The demand for critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, vital components in our everyday electronics, is skyrocketing globally,” he said. “Nigeria must position itself not just as a consumer, but as a key player in the circular economy by establishing efficient systems to recover these materials from discarded electronics, rather than allowing them to poison our communities.”
Barikor also warned about the dangers of informal recycling, explaining that harmful substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium continue to find their way into the environment. “When you don’t recycle your e-waste responsibly, it’s not just clutter; it’s a silent killer lurking in our landfills and informal dumps,” he said.
Earlier, convener of the Dialogue and group executive editor of ITREALMS Media Group, Remmy Nweke, welcomed participants from agencies and organisations, including NESREA, the Nigerian Communications Commission, ALTON, IXPN, NLNG and EPRON. He said their involvement reflects the importance of finding practical solutions to the country’s e waste problem.
Mr Nweke noted that Nigeria generates about 1.2 million tonnes of electronic waste each year, which he said requires coordinated action from government, industry and the public.
“Five years ago, we began this dialogue to foster awareness. Today, the conversation must evolve,” he said, explaining the choice of the theme: “Nigeria: Recycle Your e-Waste … It’s Critical!”
He described the theme as “A call to action. It is a demand for a concrete national strategy. It is an appeal for every digital citizen to take personal responsibility.”
The event also featured a panel session on how to build a circular economy around electronic waste.
Barikor reaffirmed NESREA’s commitment to enforcing the Extended Producer Responsibility programme in the electrical and electronics sector. He said producers and manufacturers are required by law to manage the end-of-life cycle of their products.
“The National Environmental (Electrical and Electronics) Sector Regulations are not merely guidelines; they are enforceable laws designed to ensure accountability,” he said, adding that the agency will intensify its enforcement efforts.
Nweke closed by saying electronic waste management affects public health, the economy and national security. He said the Dialogue aims to produce recommendations to guide policy and protect the environment.
Barikor ended his message by urging participants to act as “e-waste ambassadors” and encourage proper disposal and recycling across the country.
