A recent investigation into Nigeria’s recycling industry has exposed a troubling reality: the country’s recycling plants are extracting and processing lead to supply car batteries used in American and European vehicles. While this practice supports global battery production, it is happening at a devastating cost to local communities and the environment.
The process of extracting lead from electronic waste is extremely hazardous, involving exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Workers, often from impoverished backgrounds, are subjected to dangerous conditions that lead to severe health issues, including neurological damage, respiratory problems, and even premature death.
The scale of this issue raises serious concerns about labor practices and environmental regulation. Despite international demand for sustainable materials, the lack of oversight in Nigeria’s informal recycling sector has allowed these unsafe practices to continue. Advocacy groups are calling for stronger global standards and increased accountability to protect both workers and the environment.