VOA常速英语2008年-Environmentalists Support Moves to Curb Electro

Nigeria's leading environmental group has endorsed¹ plans by the government to restrict the importation of used computers, in an attempt to control a growing e-waste disposal problem. From Abuja, Gilbert da Costa reports dealing² with e-waste is going to be a challenge, because of the high demand for used computers in Nigeria.

Old computers are shipped into Nigeria duty-free, making them affordable³ and popular among ordinary Nigerians.

The federal government says most of the appliances end up as toxic⁴ waste and a potential environmental and health hazards.

An American-based non-governmental organization, Basel Action Network, reported last year that some 400,000 second-hand⁵ computers are imported every month through the Lagos seaport⁶.

The government hopes the introduction of duties will stem the current influx⁷.

Environmentalists have long warned about the implication of the proliferation of e-waste across Nigeria. Piles of discarded computers litter dump sites in Nigerian cities, often close to densely⁸ populated neighborhoods.

Nigerian Environmental Society Secretary General Leslie Adogame says e-waste is a serious problem in Nigeria.

"The recent decision by the federal government look into the continuous importation of these computers is a welcomed idea," said Adogame. "E-waste has become a major source of very hazardous⁹ chemical substances. And, because we have an environment that is unregulated, a lot of environmental poisoning has been attributed to the accumulation of some of these e-wastes."

With a population of more than 140 million, analysts¹⁰ say Nigeria has been turned into a huge dumping ground for a range of merchandise.

Adogame says the authorities should urgently seek recycling of e-waste in Nigeria.

"The recycling option is very paramount¹¹ if we are ready to do that. And, it will need a life cycle trading approach. Because we need to follow the importers of such equipment up till the end of the consumers," said Adogame. "Recycling is a very good option."

Most developed countries are increasingly regulating the disposal of unwanted electronic appliances. Nigeria, as in many other developing countries, is yet to rise up to the challenge.