By Atoyebi Nike
Mr. Ken Ugbechie, publisher of Political Economy and immediate past vice president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s growing e-waste problem, linking it to the nation’s rising “disposal culture.” He urged the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to increase its budget for public enlightenment and media outreach.
Ugbechie spoke at the 2025 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue, organized by ITREALMS Media Group under the theme “Nigeria: Recycle Your E-Waste, It’s Critical.” He described e-waste as a “crucial national emergency” and highlighted the economic value in discarded electronics. “The global value of e-waste is about $58 billion. Every piece of e-waste is cash,” he said, stressing that understanding this value could reduce careless disposal.
He criticized Nigeria’s obsession with showing off, noting that consumers frequently replace devices for style rather than need. This trend, he said, encourages reckless disposal and drives the importation of substandard electronics.
Ugbechie also warned of severe health risks from unmanaged e-waste, including exposure to mercury and lead, which can enter the soil, water, lungs, and skin, contributing to rising cancer rates, particularly among young people. He called for professionalized handling of e-waste to prevent environmental contamination.
He urged NESREA to develop structured collection and recycling systems and expand continuous public awareness. “NESREA has to create different layers of people who can pick up e-waste. But most importantly, there must be continuous enlightenment. The behavioral pattern of the people is what drives this crisis,” he said, adding that without increased funding for media campaigns, the problem will persist.
The 2025 ITREALMS Dialogue highlighted the urgent need for coordinated national action, stronger regulation, and sustained environmental education. The event was supported by ALTON, NCC, IXPN, NLNG, NESREA, and EPRON, and students from schools including ReapVille, St. Joachim College, Upland College, and Stigal International Schools participated alongside other stakeholders.
