HOMEF Rejects EU Proposal to Use Nigeria as Waste Dump Site
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) condemns the EU’s proposal to allow the importation of non-hazardous waste into Nigeria, arguing it would exacerbate existing environmental challenges. They assert that Nigeria has become a dumping ground for e-waste from wealthy nations and call for the government to reject this initiative, focusing instead on local waste management needs.
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), a prominent non-governmental organization, has criticized a proposal by the European Union (EU) to designate Nigeria as a destination for the importation of non-hazardous waste. HOMEF contends that Nigeria, along with various African nations, has been burdened by discarded electronic equipment and e-waste, primarily sourced from developed countries such as China, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
HOMEF expressed concern regarding the EU’s “Request for Inclusion in the List of Countries to Which the Export from the European Union of Non-Hazardous Wastes and Mixtures of Non-Hazardous Wastes Destined for Recovery is Authorised.” They perceive this initiative as a harmful move toward establishing a form of legal waste colonialism that could exacerbate existing environmental issues in Nigeria.
The organization highlighted that Nigeria is already facing significant environmental challenges, including pollution from oil and gas activities, solid minerals exploitation, and plastic waste. They argue that permitting any form of waste importation would be detrimental and reinforce existing ecological threats, potentially leading to further degradation of the environment.
Nnimmo Bassey, the executive director of HOMEF, criticized the government’s approach, stating, “This move exposes the government’s willingness to discount the wellbeing of citizens for a mess of porridge.” He emphasized the incongruity of a nation struggling with domestic waste management seeking to accept waste from abroad.
HOMEF and other concerned Nigerians strongly oppose the government’s initiative to turn Nigeria or other African countries into dumping grounds for foreign waste, asserting that even waste deemed non-hazardous often contains hazardous materials. They underscored that affluent nations tend to commercialize waste and appeal to poorer countries in search of economic opportunity, exemplified by the EU’s 2023 report of €18.5 billion in waste exports.
In conclusion, HOMEF calls for the rejection of the European Union’s proposal to designate Nigeria as a site for waste importation and emphasizes the potential environmental risks involved. They urge the government to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens and to focus on managing domestic waste rather than accepting external refuse. The initiative is viewed as a harmful extension of economic exploitation under the guise of waste recovery.
Original Source: businessday.ng
