Environmental Health Management of E-Waste in Selected Computer Villages in Lagos State, South West Nigeria

The rapid growth of the digital economy in Nigeria has substantially increased the flow of end-of-life electronic equipment, generating a growing e-waste management challenge with significant implications for environmental and occupational health. This study examined environmental health management practices related to e-waste in three major computer and electronics markets in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Observational assessments of e-waste handling, storage, and disposal practices were conducted at sixty-three registered and informal vendor outlets. Soil and air samples from dismantling activity areas were analyzed for heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. Structured questionnaires were administered to 200 e-waste handlers, and ten key informant interviews were held with market union leaders and Lagos State Waste Management Authority officials. Results indicated that ninety-one percent of e-waste dismantling was conducted without personal protective equipment. Lead, cadmium, and brominated flame retardant concentrations in soil samples adjacent to dismantling areas exceeded international reference values. Only fourteen percent of vendors reported any awareness of formal e-waste regulations under the National Environmental (Electrical/Electronic Sector) Regulations. No formal e-waste take-back or producer responsibility programs were operational in any of the three markets. Open burning of cable insulation to recover copper was observed at two sites. The study recommends establishment of a formal e-waste collection infrastructure, extended producer responsibility enforcement, health education for informal recyclers, and collaboration between NESREA and Lagos State authorities. Keywords: e-waste, environmental health management, Lagos, informal recycling, heavy metals.