HOMEF Opposes EU’s Proposal to Use Nigeria as a Waste Dumping Ground

HOMEF has criticized the EU’s proposal to allow the export of non-hazardous waste to Nigeria, labeling it as a harmful act of ecological colonialism. The organization argues that Nigeria already faces serious environmental issues and does not need foreign waste. Lawrence Summers’ 1991 remarks on economic dumping in Africa are referenced, highlighting the unethical practices of rich nations in waste management.

The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), a non-governmental organization, has expressed discontent over the European Union’s proposal to categorize Nigeria as a destination for the export of non-hazardous waste. They assert that Nigeria and various African nations have become unwanted repositories for obsolete electronics, particularly e-waste, originating primarily from countries such as China, the United States, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

HOMEF perceives the EU’s request as an attempt to establish a form of ‘waste colonialism,’ which endangers Nigeria’s environment already burdened by pollution related to oil, gas, mining, and plastic waste. The organization argues that for a nation grappling with significant environmental issues, permitting the importation of foreign waste is tantamount to ecological harm.

Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF’s executive director, remarked that this proposal reflects the government’s neglect of citizen welfare in favor of fiscal incentives. He stated, “It is inconceivable that a nation with a life expectancy of about 56 years would resort to importing waste when we struggle to manage our local refuse.”

HOMEF, along with concerned Nigerians, vehemently opposes the Nigerian Government’s intention to allow foreign nations to treat Nigeria as a dumping ground. The organization warns that even waste labeled as non-hazardous can contain dangerous materials, underscoring their refusal to accept any form of imported waste.

The organization criticized wealthy countries for commodifying waste, enticing poorer nations with the prospect of foreign exchange. They highlighted a report indicating the EU exported €18.5 billion worth of waste in 2023, raising concerns about the deceptive nature of this trade.

The sentiments echo those expressed by Lawrence Summers, former Chief Economist of the World Bank, who suggested in 1991 that Africa is inadequately polluted and could be an attractive site for dumping, arguing that it is economically rational to relocate toxic industries to less developed nations. In a world marred by geopolitical tensions, HOMEF stresses the alarming reality that affluent nations prefer to utilize developing regions as waste disposal sites.

HOMEF strongly rejects the EU’s proposal to classify Nigeria as a dumping ground for non-hazardous waste, labeling it as a dangerous maneuver detrimental to the nation’s environment. The organization emphasizes the need for Nigeria to prioritize its environmental health, asserting that even non-hazardous waste can pose significant risks. They call for a cessation of practices that sacrifice the health of citizens for economic incentives, while also exposing the hypocrisy of wealthier nations in exporting waste.

Original Source: businessday.ng