HARMFUL WASTE (SPECIAL CRIMINAL PROVISIONS, ETC.) ACT

An Act imposes life imprisonment and penalties for illegally importing or dumping harmful waste in Nigeria. It targets individuals, companies, and environmental authorities involved. This protects public health and the environment from hazards.

What Is This Policy?

An Act imposing life imprisonment and other severe criminal penalties for the illegal importation, transit, transportation, deposit, or storage of harmful waste (including toxic, radioactive, and hazardous waste) in Nigeria.

Who Does It Target?

Persons importing or dumping harmful waste in Nigeria Shipping companies carrying hazardous waste to Nigeria The Federal Ministry of Environment and NESREA Port and border authorities intercepting harmful waste

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Protect Nigeria and its citizens from the environmental and health catastrophe of illegal hazardous waste dumping by imposing the most severe criminal penalties and enabling forfeiture.

Key Features

Life Imprisonment: Persons convicted of importing, storing, or depositing harmful waste in Nigeria face life imprisonment. Asset Forfeiture: Vessels, vehicles, and equipment used in harmful waste operations are forfeited. Wide Definition: Harmful waste covers toxic, nuclear, radioactive, and any waste capable of causing death or serious illness. Corporate Liability: Company directors may be held personally liable for harmful waste offences.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide environmental protection Beneficiaries: Nigerian environment and public health Funding: Federal Government

How to Access

Importers: verify goods do not contain harmful waste before shipping Shipping lines: refuse to carry harmful waste destined for Nigeria Report suspected harmful waste at ports to Customs and NESREA Application method: Report harmful waste at https://www.nesrea.gov.ng or to the Police.

Important Terms

Life imprisonment with no option of fine for the most serious offences Nigeria passed this Act in response to international toxic waste dumping incidents NESREA coordinates enforcement with Customs and the Police

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nesrea.gov.ng Contact: NESREA / Nigeria Police Force

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions, etc.) Act (Cap H3 LFN 2004). Implements Nigeria's obligations under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. Operates alongside the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act 2007 and the Criminal Code Act. Aligns with the AU Bamako Convention on Hazardous Wastes.