Assessing the level of compliance with e-waste management regulations in Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Ogun State, a pivotal manufacturing hub in Nigeria, produces between 50,000 and 75,000 metric tonnes of electronic waste annually, resulting in severe environmental degradation and critical public health challenges for surrounding local communities and ecosystems. Consequently, this research investigates the level of compliance with e-waste management regulations within the State. It specifically analyses the regulatory frameworks, public awareness, and adherence levels. Employing doctrinal and survey approaches, data were collected via questionnaires and interviews from stakeholders in Abeokuta, Sango Ota, Sagamu, and Ijebu Ode in June 2025. The data were analysed using percentiles and weighted rank analysis, complemented by interviews with regulatory agency staff. Findings reveal that 92.3% of respondents are unaware of e-waste regulations. Predominant disposal methods include discharging waste into drainage systems and rivers, followed by open dumping; fewer common practices involve burning, burying, or using private disposal firms. Critical challenges to the level of compliance with e-waste management regulations include the absence of designated collection sites, insufficient public awareness of associated health and environmental risks, improper scavenging at disposal sites, and limited political will. To address these gaps, the study recommends launching multilingual public awareness campaigns via radio, social media, and community outreach; formalising informal recyclers through licensing, training, and microloan incentives; establishing dedicated e-waste collection centres statewide; and strengthening regulatory institutions such as Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) with adequate funding, staffing, and technical capacity, alongside strategic collaboration with national and international partners for sustainable e-waste governance.