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Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping SpreeAfrica Must Stop the West's Dumping SpreeFor several years now the West has been using Africa and the developing countries of the world as their dumping ground, while pursuing the best of their assets including their human capital for use it the improving the disposition of their own nations. It is about time that Africa takes active steps to not just reduce, but permanently stop the wicked practices of the Western nations guilty of such practices to use African nations, Nigeria included as their trash dumps. In Nigeria, used, second-hand and pass-me-down items, which include Cars, Tyres, Spare parts, electrical goods (refrigerators, TVs, Radios, etc.), clothing (including underwear), etc., are popularly called "Tokunbo." One may say these items do not constitute much of a threat to the nation, but other items including expired medication, used medical equipment, and used airplanes, ships, trawlers, army equipment, etc., are definitely more dangerous items equally being dumped on the African soil. Expired canned and frozen food items, cheese, etc., are also being passed beyond the Western countries 99 cent type stores unto the shores of Africa and other developing countries including Mexico and South American countries. The sad part is that these items are sold for profit by the Western nations to African and other developing nations. Some Western nations have even made bold attempts to ship toxic waste and trash to some African nations, and in the case of Nigeria, if not for the quick eye and monitoring of Nigerian seas, such would have escaped scrutiny and landed on the shores of Nigeria. Germany is one of the countries responsible for attempting to pass toxic waste drums off as other items in containers that were shipped to Nigeria. Years back there was a news report about an American ship or barge attempting to dump America's trash in a foreign nation, and different nations refuted their attempts. Who knows where that trash filled vessel ended up? How much value do Western nations have for developing nations, that they embark on stealing their best brains only to turn around and then try to exchange the transaction for trash? Some of the organizations that have been set up by the President of Nigeria, as well as President Obasanjo himself, have made efforts to restrict and ban the most obvious and dangerous items such as expired and fake medication. They have equally passed bills to restrict the ages of certain items that are being shipped into Nigeria, and among these are cars and refrigerators. But these are not sufficient in fighting the increasing attempts of the West to dispose of their used and waste items. Until disposable needles began to replace the reusable needles in Africa, who knows how many people died from used needles shipped to Africa? With the purchases of old and used airplanes and helicopters from Western nations, who is to say, the flight histories and defects reported prior to purchase were indeed accurate? Like a used car whose odometer has been reset, who is to say the history of some of these airplanes has not been rewritten? Then we wonder why there are higher rates of planes crashes in African nations. We simply mourn the deaths of those who have died in plane crashes and cars, without much thought as to whether both modes of transportation were unsafe or defective to begin with. Should we wait until our soldiers go to fight wars in their peace-keeping efforts with outdated and defective guns, before we realize that the used guns we purchased were all "lemons?" The West is clearly aware of toxic contents of most of the used items it ships off to Africa and other developing nations, but are the recipients equally aware of the dangers the items they have purchased possess? Items that are disposable do not pose as much danger as non-disposable items, such as electrical goods, non-biodegradable items such as plastic based items, etc. Equally, items that are not transportation related do not pose as much as threat as used airplanes, helicopters, trailers, buses, cars, motorcycles, etc., but the end result is the same, the continuous influx of used items is increasingly becoming a threat to developing nations. Unfortunately, higher rates of poverty, insufficient and ineffective infrastructures, and inefficient government policies, coupled with selfish actions of some private individuals who knowingly import used and defective, dangerous and non-biodegradable items, etc., have made developing countries consumers rather than producers. The West thus seizes this opportunity to manipulate and take advantage of their weaknesses and their hunger for items they lack, knowing that they will purchase such items regardless of whether they are safe or not so safe. As developing nations shed their cultures in attempt to become more westernized, they equally gulp up the fads and lifestyles that are being portrayed to them, but these come at a high price. While Americans, for instance have a credit card culture to buffer their insatiable urges for new consumer items, people in developing nations lack the buffer and considering the majority of the populace are low to medium income families, or simply poverty stricken, they can only afford the used items. The crux of the matter is that "while the West may push these items on us, it is our responsibility to stand up for ourselves and resist the urge to be perpetual consumers, and at the very least, to be very discerning consumers." We cannot afford to continue to pay hard earned money for items that will eventually consume us. Cxsm 28th Oct. '05 © Cxsm 2005 All Rights Reserved |
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Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping Spree - 2Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping Spree - 2
I believe I already substantiated the FACTS I stated with the link I referenced which has only 'some' of the reports clearly categorizing the increasing problem of Africa, and specifically Nigeria being used as a dumping ground for many substandard imports such as FAKE pharmaceutical products, Used Tyres, Used Spare parts, Old Aircraft and other FAKE products. You can peruse any of the articles in the link at your leisure as proof that I did not just dream these up. Besides, right in the city I used to reside, I can remember several years back, there was issue of some chap that used to export used needles to Nigeria and the source was stated to be from those disposed at the local county hospitals. I can't recall what the eventual outcome was, but I remember partaking in a discussion that sometimes even our own people would because of simple greed and their excessive love for money jeopardize the lives of their fellow citizens. Also, one only has to reside in Nigeria to witness some of the used items which have been shipped to Nigeria and purchased by less privileged individuals. It is also indisputable that most of the cars shipped into Nigeria in recent years are used, with varying lifespans. I recall touring Abeokuta some years back when there were loud cheers as we exited the city. Wondering if the King or some dignitary was driving in our direction, I was extremely saddened and almost brought to tears, after I made inquiries as to what the cheers were about, only to find out that it was a convoy of "Tokunbo" (used) cars that were being driven into town. I will never forget my remark which was that "I couldn't believe that Nigeria had so deteriorated to a point were her citizens were cheering for the arrival of used products." For me it was a sad day indeed. Nigeria is not the only country at the receiving end of used and non-disposable products, but she is the highest recipient as the UN report below also substantiates. As for solutions, I believe the first step is recognizing that there is indeed a problem, furthermore a growing one, which is why I wrote the article to generate discussions and seek solutions. In my article, I also commended the Government for taking steps to fight the dumping spree, and for those who try to keep up with the current news from Nigeria, we are aware that President Obasanjo has not only elected officials to fight the problem, but those elected are making noticeable impacts in the fight against substantial products. Some of their successes are also in the articles referenced in the links, while also leading to national and international recognition for some of the elected officials such that of as Prof. (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili. Beyond that I advised that we as affected citizens should be discerning consumers, and that I believe begins with our refusal to purchase substandard goods, which can be further accomplished by our shedding our "Colo" mentality of believing that "every" imported item is better than our domestically produced ones. Also, Nigerian business wo/men who patronize marketers of substandard goods should stop shipping these products home for quick profits, because while they and the foreign dumpers delight in their monetary gains, they are equally responsible for the negative impacts of these items on the unsuspecting and uninformed consumers. Personally, I believe continuous and widespread education of the public through the media that is available (Television and most especially Radio, since most of the populace have access to this) that fake, substandard and overly used products can endanger lives will be the one of the more effective deterrents. Economics dictates that supply without a matching or larger demand will eventually lead to decreased incentive for the supplier. When people are educated or informed to know better than to buy substandard products, or when they realize they are taking risks with their lives, while enriching the suppliers, then they will be able to make informed choices and decisions to desist from patronizing the suppliers. It reminds me of when "Meatex" fake meat made out of soy was imported into Nigeria and was quickly eradicated from the market, due to government intervention and market forces dictated by uninterested consumers. The government is already taking steps to deter suppliers from successfully bringing in fake, substandard and overly used items into Nigeria by seizing and destroying all such products, and in cases where they can identify the shippers as foreigners, they are making the shippers return the products back to their countries as in the cases of the toxic drums from Germany, the fake products from China, etc. If the foreign countries who are guilty of using developing countries for their dumping sprees did not have willing and able associates who nudged their financial interest to begin with, they wouldn't be succeeding in finding developing countries as attractive and available recipients of these fake, substandard and overly used products; or their non-disposable, toxic laden products. The power though lies in the hand of the consumers. If one knows NOT to buy fake drugs so that a life is not lost, one can equally make the decision not to buy overly used tyres that can cause car accidents or to fly in planes that sound like they are about to fall apart or explode. Same goes for buying used underwear that can harbour infectious diseases. (The article that substantiates this I will try to find and post.) Also, as citizens, when we know of people or organizations (Nigerian, African or foreign) who are in the business of shipping fake, substandard and overly used products to our developing countries, we should as patriotic citizens blow the whistle. It is better to blow the whistle regardless of the consequences, than to stand by and watch our fellow citizens lives endangered, when we have the power and opportunity to do what is morally right. I've taken my first step by writing this article and initiating a discussion that will lead to solutions that will impact the problem, and though the impact may be small presently, I believe people who are aware have a better chance of acting than those who are uninformed. Some of us are used to waiting on others to make the decisions regarding our lives, because it is then easier to ascribe blame; but the choice to remain as "invisible grumblers" rather than participants in seeking solutions, is one of the very paramount reasons Nigeria is in the state it is today. While this is what separates the leaders from the followers, we must realize that until we begin to take responsibility though active and vocal participation, NOTHING will change, and we will only have ourselves to blame. Also, we need to shed our hypocrisies and decide what side of the fence we are. For instance, people will complain about accidents yet purchased overly used tyres; when President Obasanjo institutes a ban on lace to stimulate domestic production, we will turn around and complain because we want to wear the latest Swiss lace to the party we've been planning to attend for a year; when he bans certain food items, we complain we must have the canned cokes knowing fully well that cans are more difficult to dispose of than bottles which are recyclable; when imported rice was deterred we refused until it flooded our markets and Gari a locally produced staple item has become an expensive delicacy within the borders of our very own country, etc. Like I previously stated, "The crux of the matter is that 'while the West may push these items on us, it is our responsibility to stand up for ourselves and resist the urge to be perpetual consumers, and at the very least, to be very discerning consumers.' We cannot afford to continue to pay hard earned money for items that will eventually consume us." Cxsm 30th Oct. '05 © Cxsm 2005 All Rights Reserved -------------------- May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and contribute to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm |
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Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping Spree - 3Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping Spree - 3Now I've posted the article on "Used Clothing and Underwear" (written by an American correspondent, rather than Me, a Nigerian writer) I hope the assertions that the West is using Africa for it's dumping ground will be more believable, especially for the skeptics who think the article was simply to ascribe blame; rather than recognizing that it is simply a wake up call for us to actively participate in putting a STOP to the dumping Spree the West has embarked on and continues to actively partake in. 
Read "For Sale -- Cheap: 'Dead White Men's Clothing'" http://www.latimes.com/news/speci...othes14jul14,0,3763573,full.story In all sincerity, I was too embarrassed to forward the article to others when I received it in March of this year, I simply archived it and hoped it would be useful someday, and now it's time to raise it's true but ugly head has come. I'm glad that even this writer has confirmed the assertions that Africa has become the West's dumping ground. Also, this writer's articles confirm that Nigeria is not the only country at the receiving end of the used products. Neither is Africa the only continent. Europe and Latin America also are recipients of the used items they classify as vintage A Kenyan stated that
Among many overly used products, America's WORST used clothing are shipped to Africa after being categorized as Africa 1 and Africa 2; Japan's used cars are shipped to Africa, etc.
The onus is two-fold, first and foremost the government 1] has to stimulate domestic production of our own products so that some of our citizens do not have to rely on hand-me-downs regardless of whether it is used underwear or used cars. They also 2] have to continously and effectively communicate the dangers of these overly used, fake and substandard products on our safety, economy and national pride. Secondly, we consumers, rich or poor 1] need to stop patronizing vendors and marketers of used products, plus we 2] have to put pressure on our government to stimulate our industries by providing electricity, diesel fuel, access to reliable machinery that we can couple with tangible labour so that employment in the industries will not only be stimulated, but most importantly, so that our industries can become capable of manufacturing the products we demand domestically. We also, 3] need to shed our hypocrisies by cooperating with our government when it has instituted bans on certain products. Like I previously said in part 2 of my article, we all have to realize and fully comprehend that "IF the demand wasn't insatiable, the supply would not continue on a large and/or dangerous scale." We as consumers thus have a greater power than we imagine and it is our choice as to IF and HOW we want to weld it. While some items simply depress the ability of a country to stimulate domestic production of such goods, what is of more concern is the products that are unsafe and outright dangerous such as used electric goods, such as radios, televisions, refrigerators and computers that leak toxins, non-disposable or harder to dispose items, and used tyres, spare parts, vehicles, planes and machinery that could cause the loss of lives, which could have been prevented to begin with. We can as concerned citizens begin to actively participate in ventures that would reduce the dumping sprees, stimulate or industries and reinstate our national pride; or we can continue to aid the dumping spree by being the very business wo/men that circumvent the bans and import these products through neighbouring countries, accept pay-offs from countries that are seeking available land to dump their drums of toxic waste, or continue to patronize the vendors of these overly used, fake, substandard and dangerous items. It is ultimately our choice, Yours and Mine. Cxsm 31st Oct. '05 © Cxsm 2005 All Rights Reserved -------------------- May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and contribute to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm |
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RE: Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping SpreeRe: [abujaNig] RE: Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping SpreeFrom: Ike Okwuobi ike_okwuobi_41nija@... Date:Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:49 am Africa - What do you manufacture? What are your alternatives? The truth is you can only get what you pray for. Hard to believe, but this is what we prayed for - and tomorrow will be what we are praying for today, where "prayer" is is not what they do in our places of worship, but what you sow today based on your vision of tomorrow. What you reap is based on what you sow. Refer to your Holy books for inspiration on this topic. Folks wake up ... or in another sense, dream good dreams... Ike Okwuobi |
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Re: [visitghana] Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping Spree
Hello Cxsm, This was interesting to say the least. I would like to hear what others would like to say about this. This will not stop as long as there is a market for these used items. People have to make stand. Why buy a car that is unsafe for your family, or so used that you may only get a days use from it, money wasted. Used needles, omg! Airplanes, Helicopters im just out done. I can say this I am leaning a lot through this group. Anyone selling expired medication should be hung to death, cause their actions could cause the death of someone using those medications. Again Africa has to suffer because of (other nation's) greed. Again being made poorer so others can get richer, and the children must suffer harder. Someone please explain to me why! There is so much I want to say, but I won't. But this I will say, If we don't take this burden off the children and teach them a new way, then Africa will always be in the same stages. Its like the world said lets remove their future. I said that not to be mean, but I married a man from Ghana and never in 21 years heard any of this. All I heard was how beautiful it is, how wonderful his home is. And in the last 2 months I have learned of all the suffering and misuse of the people. Someone please explain this to me. I'm just a mixed American white mom Indian dad. My dad was dark, but my mom told me that I could have anything I wanted in the world. And I lived on that knowledge and built from it. Have a peaceful evening Everyone, God Bless you all. Deborah 10/28/05 |
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Re: [visitghana] I address the dumping spree in my book
Hi All, I address a simular issue in my book. Here is a portion from the abstract. The book will be out mid-November. This work-in-progress research explores the transnational practice of skin bleaching among Black women and seeks to define it as a collective social response to white identity through beauty aesthetics. The nineteenth century Victorian concepts of the "Lady" and "Cult of True Womanhood," are parcel to the invention of ideolgies in which the black female identity challenges and relocates itself into an imagined social and cultural attainment of whiteness. The display and analysis of skin bleaching products and advertisements from West Africa, reveal the unregulated dumping and circulation of dangerous bleaching products into Black communities, and unveils the phenomenon when "white neurosis" gives rise to the elusive "Black Victorian." Bests, Angela 10/28/05 If things are getting easier, maybe you're headed downhill. {Proverb from Ghana} Angela W. Thibodeaux www.AmbassadorsToAfrica.com |
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Re: I address the dumping spree in my book
Hi Angela, I'm glad to know that other people are equally bringing these issues of concern to the forefront. Coincidentally, I've also written about Bleaching. You can read more about it at http://NaijaPositive.myfastforum.org .............. Thanks also for your feedback. Cxsm 11/18/05 |
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Re: [visitghana] Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping Spree
Debbie, I just learned of the skin bleaching and if anyone is considering it, I would advise strongly against it. There is nothing wrong with being the way one is. I do believe the American Singer Michael Jackson, who was a beautiful shade of ebony when he was a child had bleached his skin and it had gone too far. I don't know if this practice causes any genetic damage but would strongly advise against it. If he were to make himself a shade lighter then something had gone drastically wrong and he is almost white. It's not in how you look it is what is in the heart that counts. I would advise Ghanaians to get in touch with their representatives and complain about this. Government must put a stop to this dangerous practice. Frank 10/29/05 |
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Re: Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping Spree
In the process the infilteration of the cigarette companies into Nigeria (I don't know about other African countries) should also be addressed. As soon as law suits began and major campaigns to cease smoking because of its dangerous effects on people became evident, the companies shifted their bases in order to assure continuity of their products. UK and America joined hands to begin BAT (British American Tobacco) company in Nigeria and they were fully embraced at the expense of our citizens lives. Stupidly, earlier this year (or late last year), they were recognized for their so-called service to Nigeria, and given some stupid accolade or award. It is ridiculous. How many Nigerians have to die of lung cancer Emphesyma and other smoking related diseases, before we realize that like so many other products, Nigeria is again being used as the quick profit making dumping ground of the western countries? Cxsm 17th Nov. 05 |
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Update on 'Africa Must Stop the West's Dumping Spree'
Here are some articles about used clothing being shipped globally most especially to Africa [countries are even listed]. As previously stated garment industries in Africa are being destroyed because the local producers cannot compete with the continuous inflow or surge of used clothing being shipped into Africa daily. For Sale -- Cheap: 'Dead White Men's Clothing' http://www.latimes.com/news/speci...othes14jul14,0,3763573,full.story Old Clothes Go Global http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/...007/2003581171_pacificpink25.html Old Clothes, New looks: Second Hand Fashion http://www.popmatters.com/books/reviews/o/old-clothes-new-looks.shtml Also, Africa is not the only victim of America's "consumerism" which caused a writer to describe America's economy as follows
Major concerns about dumping of toxic and other waste has prompted different nations to enact laws that will prohibit or at the very least restrict dumping of waste in thir countries, especially electrical items that leak toxic waste and fumes that are dangerous to humans. Read "WEEE Are the World" [New E.U. environmental standards are changing the global marketplace] http://www.grist.org/biz/fd/2005/09/20/weee It really is sad that America and some other countries use Africa and oter developing nations as a dumping groundfor their toxic and other waste simply because their level of consumption, and dumping to accomodate new disposable items is insatiable. Cxsm 4th Aug. '08 |
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Delta Alleges Moves to Dump Toxic Waste in CountryDelta Alleges Moves to Dump Toxic Waste in CountryVanguard Austin Ogwuda 5 Nov. 2008 The Delta State Government alleged yesterday plan by unidentified people to dump toxic waste in the country, purportedly believed to be coming from Ukraine. It has therefore directed all the twenty five local government chairmen in the state to be on the red alert so as not to be taken unawares. Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Fred Majemite, told newsmen there have been illegal quarrying, and mining going on within the state. "We are sounding a very strong note of warning that those involved should desist from it. We have observed there have been a lot of dredging going on without proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out. Government frowns strongly at it", he stated. On the imminent dumping of waste from overseas, Majemite said: "Recently we got an alert that a company from somewhere in the Northern bloc is looking for somewhere to dump their toxic waste in Nigeria. We have sent the message to all the local governments that they should watch out." "The alert which came from NEMA in Abuja", he said, "did not specify exactly which part of the country the vessel conveying the waste will dump it but merely said in Nigeria. And because we had a similar experience before with the Koko toxic dump, the State Government is taking it seriously; more so what happened in Kwale recently. Once we hear anything about toxic waste we don't take chances that is why we are saying that everybody must be on the alert", he stated. In addition, the Adviser said that the state government will soon set up what he called Compliance Monitoring Committee which should move round. "It is going to be an independent body from the others to blow the whistle when there are problems so that at least those who are involved are called if it is a thing the state cannot handle we can channel it to the appropriate authority to do that." "There will also be massive enlightenment campaign very soon to sensitise our people on the need to maintain high standard in the management of the environment both in the area of pollution, deforestation and so forth", he added. |
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