Researchers at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, have called for greater investment in the recovery and recycling of valuable metals from electronic waste, saying the sector could help strengthen Nigeria’s economy and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.
The researchers, Adeyẹmi Olamide Adeparusi of the Department of Liberal Studies and Abiodun Olaniyi Fatoye of the Department of Science and Technology, said the growing demand for newer electronic and electrical devices was contributing to the rapid increase in e-waste.
According to them, discarded electronic devices contain valuable materials, including metals that can be recovered and reused instead of being lost through improper disposal.
They stressed that developing an organised e-waste recycling system could create employment opportunities, support local industries and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported raw materials.
The researchers also highlighted the environmental concerns associated with poor e-waste disposal, noting that electronic waste can contain hazardous substances capable of polluting the soil, water and air when improperly handled.
They therefore urged the government, researchers, manufacturers and private investors to support sustainable e-waste collection, recovery and recycling initiatives across the country.
They said turning electronic waste into useful resources could provide both an environmental solution and a potential economic opportunity for Nigeria.
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