Nigeria’s Tech Revolution: A Boost to Development and a Blow to the Environment -By Amina Abdullahi

As Nigeria embraces the digital revolution, the country is seeing rapid development, but at the cost of its environment. The rapid expansion of the technology sector has led to increased use of electricity and electronic waste, both of which contribute to climate change and harm the environment. The tech sector in Nigeria is booming, but there’s a dark side to this progress. As the tech industry has grown, so has the use of electricity, leading to a rise in carbon emissions. And as electronics become more affordable, the amount of e-waste generated is on the rise, threatening the environment and human health. Despite the benefits of technology, these negative impacts cannot be ignored.

The environmental threats of the tech sector include; first, as more electricity is needed to power the tech sector, it often comes from fossil fuels like coal and gas. These fuels release pollutants like carbon dioxide, which can contribute to climate change. Second, the disposal of e-waste is a major environmental concern. When electronics are thrown away, they often end up in landfills where they can release toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater. These chemicals can harm wildlife and make their way into the food chain, eventually affecting human health. While the specific health risks associated with the tech revolution involved; increased exposure to toxic chemicals from e-waste, which can cause respiratory problems, reproductive disorders, and neurological damage, increased risk of cancer and other diseases from the exposure to pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, increased risk of heat-related illnesses from the use of air conditioners and other electronic devices.

The temperature in Nigeria, particularly in the northern part, contributed to climate change and the tech revolution in a few ways. As mentioned before, the higher temperatures in the north can lead to increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the increased use of air conditioners can also contribute to climate change by increasing the demand for electricity, which in turn increases the use of fossil fuels. Moreover, the increased e-waste in the north can contribute to climate change through the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

The overuse of technology can definitely be a negative impact on the environment. When electronic devices are overused, they need to be replaced more frequently, leading to a higher amount of electronic waste being generated. Many people in Nigeria don’t have access to the resources and infrastructure needed to properly dispose of e-waste, which can lead to environmental contamination. Further, some people may not be aware of the proper way to use and care for their electronic devices, which can also lead to environmental harm.

There are few recommendation to address the problem, One is to create regulations that require manufacturers to use more sustainable materials and methods when creating new electronic devices. This could help reduce the amount of toxic materials used in electronics and make it easier to recycle them. Another solution is to create education campaigns that teach people about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling electronic devices. Finally, governments could provide incentives for companies that develop and use more sustainable technology.

Amina Abdullahi, from Borno State University, Mass Communication
Department.