HOMEF has strongly opposed an EU proposal to classify Nigeria as a dumping site for non-hazardous waste. The group warns that this could exacerbate existing environmental issues caused by pollution from various sectors. They argue that the proposal represents a harmful form of waste colonialism and an affront to the health and wellbeing of Nigerian citizens.
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), a non-governmental organization, has condemned a proposal from the European Union (EU) which seeks to classify Nigeria as a destination for non-hazardous waste for recovery. HOMEF alleges that Nigeria and other African nations have become dumping grounds for obsolete e-waste, with significant contributions from countries like China, the US, and the UK.
The group describes the EU’s request as an attempt to engage Nigeria in a form of “legal waste colonialism.” With Nigeria already facing severe environmental pollution due to oil, gas, and solid mineral exploitation, importing waste is deemed irresponsible and ecologically damaging.
Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF’s executive director, expressed concern over the Nigerian government’s willingness to entertain waste imports amidst a struggling healthcare system and low life expectancy. He criticized this approach as detrimental to citizens’ wellbeing, emphasizing the insensitivity of begging to import waste rather than managing domestic waste effectively.
HOMEF and many concerned Nigerians reject the government’s plans to allow foreign waste imports, arguing that even classified non-hazardous waste can contain harmful materials. They highlighted that affluent nations often exploit poorer countries by commodifying waste, as illustrated by the €18.5 billion worth of waste exported by the EU in 2023.
The organization also referenced Lawrence Summers’ controversial 1991 assertion that Africa is “under-polluted,” promoting the economic rationale of relocating polluting industries to lower-wage countries. HOMEF suggests this philosophy underpins the EU’s approach, which effectively turns certain African regions into dumping grounds for high-consumption nations, perpetuating environmental harm to these countries.
Overall, HOMEF’s stance highlights the dangers of classifying Nigeria as a waste destination, citing significant environmental risks and ethical concerns. The group underscores the need for better waste management practices domestically, rejecting the importation of waste under any pretext. Their advocacy against the EU’s proposal emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions rather than continued exploitation of vulnerable countries.
Original Source: businessday.ng
