NECA joins global debate on e-waste management

Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has joined the Global Dialogue Forum on Decent Work in the management of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), which took place in Geneva recently, as part of the centenary celebration of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

According to NECA, Nigeria’s representative at the forum, the discussion focused on current and emerging issues as well as opportunities relating to the promotion of decent work in the management of e-waste.

NECA delegate and Chief Human Resources Officer, Ikeja Electric, Ibiene Okeleke, explained that the forum was an eye-opener to the environmental impact of e-waste.

She said: “While there are clear and present dangers from e-waste, there are also huge opportunities. It therefore requires the right framework, legislation and drive to ensure that proper sustainable action is carried out as far as e-waste management is concerned.”

The forum also aims to adopt points of consensus, including recommendations for future action by ILO and its members, over rising concerns on environmental impact of e-waste, in view of global interest in building a more sustainable economy.

Other talking points deliberated on at the forum include opportunities for employment in the e-waste management space, challenges of framework and guiding legislation in the space, with special case study focus on Nigeria ­– considered a major dumping ground for e-waste – as well as investment opportunities in the sector.