In Lagos, the famous Ladipo Market is one of them, where imported used electronic equipment are separated into two categories for commercial purposes. Popularly known as “Pan Takers” – I am not sure of the correct spelling – these are where “Nigeria-used” electronic equipment are sold. Interestingly, Guiyu is the largest e-waste disposal site in China, and receives shipments of toxic e-waste from all over the world. The ITU research had found that unregulated e-waste recycling was associated with increasing numbers of adverse health effects, including adverse birth outcomes, altered neurodevelopment, adverse cardiovascular effects, adverse respiratory effects, and adverse effects on the immune system, skin diseases, hearing loss, and cancer. As far as the ticking time bomb from e-waste is concerned, Nigeria is a sitting duck.

Source: Punch July 22, 2020 23:03 UTC