E-Waste Management Policy Paper
Implementing the E-Waste Management Policy of Lagos State
Overview
E-waste is projected to reach 74 million tons globally by 2030, with developing nations like Nigeria facing significant challenges due to e-waste dumping, counter-consumption culture, and weak policy enforcement. While developed countries have made strides in e-waste management, Nigeria struggles with policy implementation, recycling infrastructure, and compliance with international regulations. This paper investigates key factors hindering e-waste policy execution in Nigeria and explores strategic processes to address them. It highlights the need for public and private sector collaboration, active participation in policy entrepreneurship, and the integration of these factors into the policy design stage to ensure more effective management and sustainable solutions.
Rationale Behind Lagos
Lagos State, a key player in Nigeria’s economy, also leads in electronic waste output due to hubs like Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, and Computer Village Ikeja. It is the main entry point for new and second-hand electronics, valued at $3 billion, with an annual e-waste output of 290,000 tons. Despite having two licensed e-waste recyclers, their capacity is insufficient, and informal players lack expertise. Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) handles e-waste collection, while LASEPA oversees hazardous substance control.
Methodology: Regulatory Regimes and Administrative Capacity
The study’s methodology focused on examining Lagos State’s e-waste management policy, with LASEPA as the key regulatory body. LASEPA, responsible for enforcing e-waste standards, established an e-waste department in 2009, which was revamped in 2011 to focus solely on e-waste management. The study aimed to map policy components and assess the capacity for implementation. Data collection included a review of draft policies, federal guidelines, and interviews with LASEPA officials, alongside field visits to enhance understanding of key players’ roles in e-waste management.
Findings: Existing Policies
- Objective: To motivate green purchasing at the state level.
- Limitations:
- Administering a state-wide green procurement program is cumbersome.
- Objective: To standardise recycling processes and set targets for waste reduction.
- Limitations:
- Standards for SMEs and the informal sector are not defined, making them difficult to monitor and enforce.
- LESEPA cannot solely handle all aspects of implementation.
- Objective: To establish standards for waste inventory and categorization.
- Limitations:
- EPR goals at the state level have become ambiguous, raising questions about whether LESEPA strengthens federal requirements or EPRON.
- The existence of both federal and state-level EPR may lead to double taxation and overlapping roles.
Recommendations
Given that the existing e-waste management policy in Lagos lacks clarity on how standards may be monitored and enforced, two recommendations are proposed:
- Conduct a multi-stakeholder review of the E-waste Management Policy.
- Develop knowledge networks to support policy innovation.