The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency(LASEPA) says it is intensifying efforts to tackle the rising threat of electronic waste, with a focus on waste generated by off-grid renewable energy systems. 

The general manager of LASEPA, Tunde Ajayi, said this during a strategic meeting with the E-waste Producers Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (EPRON) and the ministry’s Sustainability Unit.

Mr Ajayi posted it on his verified X handle in Lagos on Thursday.

He said the engagement focused on strengthening data systems, enforcement mechanisms, and capacity building across the e-waste value chain.

According to him, stakeholders agreed that consistent data gathering and sharing are critical to driving investment and informed decision-making in the sector.

He added that monitoring and enforcement must be deliberate and firm, while training for collectors and recyclers should be continuous rather than one-off interventions.

He outlined key resolutions from the meeting, noting that e-waste management would now be integrated into organisational audit reports.

He said such reports must include volumes generated and evidence of disposal through vendors accredited by the LASEPA, backed by certificates of safe disposal.

He disclosed that quarterly volume reports from e-waste collectors would become mandatory for permit renewal.

“Any collector that fails to submit reports will not have permits renewed,” he said.

He added that annual staff training by e-waste collectors had also been made a condition for permit renewal.

Mr Ajayi said EPRON would provide a comprehensive database of electrical and electronic equipment importers, producers, and manufacturers operating in Lagos, including the volumes they bring into the state.

He further revealed that the state would organise biannual training for e-waste collectors, with the first session scheduled before June and the second in October, possibly to coincide with International E-Waste Day.

According to him, recyclers are also required to submit quarterly reports detailing volumes processed.

He said the government, in collaboration with EPRON, would develop a joint compliance and monitoring checklist to assess the performance of collectors and recyclers quarterly.

Mr Ajayi noted that a list of defaulting and non-compliant collectors was being compiled and would form the basis for enforcement actions.

(NAN)