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Extended Producer Responsibility for WEEE in Nigeria: A Theory-Based Evaluation

Sadiq, Aliyu LU (2026) In IIIEE Master Thesis IMEM02 20261
The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics
Abstract
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) generation resulting from rapid digitization and increasing electronic device use poses significant environmental and public health risks, particularly in developing countries. In response, Nigeria established an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme for WEEE, which is currently being implemented. However, its effectiveness in achieving intended outcomes remains largely unknown. Although previous studies have examined specific aspects of WEEE and EPR in Nigeria, no comprehensive evaluation of the programme has been conducted. This thesis therefore evaluates the effectiveness of Nigeria’s EPR programme through a Theory-Based Evaluation (TBE) framework, extended to include... (More)
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) generation resulting from rapid digitization and increasing electronic device use poses significant environmental and public health risks, particularly in developing countries. In response, Nigeria established an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme for WEEE, which is currently being implemented. However, its effectiveness in achieving intended outcomes remains largely unknown. Although previous studies have examined specific aspects of WEEE and EPR in Nigeria, no comprehensive evaluation of the programme has been conducted. This thesis therefore evaluates the effectiveness of Nigeria’s EPR programme through a Theory-Based Evaluation (TBE) framework, extended to include unintended outcomes. The study systematically compares policy design (espoused theory) with actual implementation practice (theory-in-use) to determine Nigeria’s EPR effectiveness based on the interactions between policy context, implementation mechanisms, and outcomes. A qualitative multi-method design was adopted, drawing on semi-structured interviews with 13 stakeholder groups, and content analysis of the main policy documents. Interview data were analysed using a two-cycle deductive and inductive coding processes aided by NVivo and followed by thematic analysis. In addition, a complementary quantitative data analysis and field observations supported the data triangulation process. The findings indicate that Nigeria’s EPR programmedemonstrates partial effectiveness. While the policy design aligns considerably with classical theoretical EPR expectations, substantial gaps exist between intended policy design and actual implementation realities. Core anticipated outcomes–including improved downstream infrastructure, effective material loop closure, design-for-environment, and environmentally sound waste management–remain significantly unattained, while feedback mechanism has considerably improved. The study also identified unintended livelihood displacement and environmental and health risks not previously captured within the TBE framework and policy design. These findings extend existing knowledge on EPR evaluation within developing-country contexts. The study concludes that EPR effectiveness cannot be understood through policy design alone, but must be evaluated through the interaction between context, implementation mechanisms, and actual outcomes in practice. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Sadiq, Aliyu LU
supervisor
organization
course
IMEM02 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Extended Producer Responsibility, WEEE, Theory-Based Evaluation
publication/series
IIIEE Master Thesis
report number
2026:36
ISSN
1401-9191
language
English
id
9247603
date added to LUP
2026-08-10 10:56:37
date last changed
2026-08-10 10:56:37
@misc{9247603,
  abstract     = {{Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) generation resulting from rapid digitization and increasing electronic device use poses significant environmental and public health risks, particularly in developing countries. In response, Nigeria established an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme for WEEE, which is currently being implemented. However, its effectiveness in achieving intended outcomes remains largely unknown. Although previous studies have examined specific aspects of WEEE and EPR in Nigeria, no comprehensive evaluation of the programme has been conducted. This thesis therefore evaluates the effectiveness of Nigeria’s EPR programme through a Theory-Based Evaluation (TBE) framework, extended to include unintended outcomes. The study systematically compares policy design (espoused theory) with actual implementation practice (theory-in-use) to determine Nigeria’s EPR effectiveness based on the interactions between policy context, implementation mechanisms, and outcomes. A qualitative multi-method design was adopted, drawing on semi-structured interviews with 13 stakeholder groups, and content analysis of the main policy documents. Interview data were analysed using a two-cycle deductive and inductive coding processes aided by NVivo and followed by thematic analysis. In addition, a complementary quantitative data analysis and field observations supported the data triangulation process. The findings indicate that Nigeria’s EPR programmedemonstrates partial effectiveness. While the policy design aligns considerably with classical theoretical EPR expectations, substantial gaps exist between intended policy design and actual implementation realities. Core anticipated outcomes–including improved downstream infrastructure, effective material loop closure, design-for-environment, and environmentally sound waste management–remain significantly unattained, while feedback mechanism has considerably improved. The study also identified unintended livelihood displacement and environmental and health risks not previously captured within the TBE framework and policy design. These findings extend existing knowledge on EPR evaluation within developing-country contexts. The study concludes that EPR effectiveness cannot be understood through policy design alone, but must be evaluated through the interaction between context, implementation mechanisms, and actual outcomes in practice.}},
  author       = {{Sadiq, Aliyu}},
  issn         = {{1401-9191}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{IIIEE Master Thesis}},
  title        = {{Extended Producer Responsibility for WEEE in Nigeria: A Theory-Based Evaluation}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}