News

FG Tackles Improper Disposal of Used Batteries, Launches Battery Control Regulations

Published

3 weeks ago

August 29, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG Tackles Improper Disposal of Used Batteries, Launches Battery Control Regulations

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has launched the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 to check against improper disposal of used batteries in the country.

The government said the regulations becomes imperative as the improper handling, which include collection, recycling and disposal of used batteries, has presented serious environmental and health challenges.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal who launched the regulations in Abuja on Thursday, said Ecosystems around these battery recycling facilities have been polluted and waste lead is often dumped indiscriminately in unauthorized locations without proper permits.

The launching was organized by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with the support of European Union and Germany.

The Minister, represented by the Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the Ministry, Usman Bokani, said the newly launched Regulations thus provides the necessary legal framework to enforce compliance and ensure that Nigeria continues to protect both the environment and public health.

He said: “The National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations specifically tackles the challenges posed by informal recyclers and unregulated battery collection, recycling and disposal practices. These Regulations seek to formalize the battery recycling sector, promote safe disposal methods, minimize environmental pollution and promote the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme for the battery sector in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Hon Julius Gbabojor said improper disposal and management of batteries pose a significant threat to our environment and public health.

Represented by his vice, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, he said the new regulation is timely and crucial as it sets out comprehensive guidelines for the proper handling, disposal, and recycling of batteries.

“It places responsibility not only on manufacturers but also on consumers, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices. By enforcing these regulations, we are taking a significant step towards minimizing the environmental impact of battery waste and promoting a circular economy where resources are reused and recycled.”

In her goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling (ARBR), Mrs Miranda Amachree, said the Regulations spell out specific requirements and guidelines for the usage, collection and recycling of used batteries in line with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program.

Earlier in his welcome address, Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Agency, Dr. Innocent Barikor said the agency’s enforcement efforts in the past have not been fully effective in the regulation and control of the battery sector due to the lack of an encompassing specific legislation that would holistically address emerging complexities and challenges in the Battery Sector.

He said the enforcement of this germane Regulation would help address the gaps in the abatement of unsound environmental practices in the entire Battery value chain, as well as prevent possible adverse health impacts on the target population especially women and children who are vulnerably involved in the mishandling of batteries especially Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULABs).

“Continuous misuse or mishandling of these ULABs exposes users to severe health challenges by reason of the highly hazardous chemicals or materials contained such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and lithium, amongst others. These hazardous chemicals affect multiple human body systems including neurologic, hematologic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal systems.

“Furthermore, the launch of this Regulations today will not only sensitise the Nigerian public on its emergence but will popularise its essence within the Nigerian environment and lay a firm foundation for a sustainable and responsible approach towards addressing the challenges of improper used battery management in the country.”

Head of programme, Nigerian Energy Support Programme, NESP, Mr Duke Benjamin, said NESP will continue to provide technical support and capacity development to various NESREA and battery recycling facilities’ in collaboration with the Ministry of environment.

‘’This mile stone will go a long way in regulating the activities of the battery waste disposal industry and identifying the roles of relevant stakeholders whose efforts would greatly contribute to reducing the release of toxic chemicals in the atmosphere along different levels of the value chain.’’ He said.

FG Tackles Improper Disposal of Used Batteries, Launches Battery Control Regulations

News

China Calls on Developed Countries to Mop Up Their Climate Troubles

Published

1 hour ago

September 19, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

China Calls on Developed Countries to Mop Up Their Climate Troubles

By: Michael Mike

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai has called on developed countries to mop up climatic challenges they caused in developing countries, insisting that there is urgent need for them to take responsibility of international injustices especially regarding climate change.

He stated this in Abuja on Thursday at a “Seminar on Taking New Opportunities for China – Nigeria Cooperation in Deepening Reform in the New Era.”

Yu said it was unfair for developed nations to transfer the burden of developments on developing countries especially climate change and other challenges caused as a result of industrialisation.

The government envoy said China became among the top economies by adopting people centered approach and lifting 800 million people out of poverty over the past 70 years.

He further explained that his country achieved it development goals because it was open to all countries for exchange of ideas and that has been one of the major strengths the country had displayed to the world.

Yu said his country had adopted people centered approach to become relevant among the committee of nations by advocating stability among nations and in the last 70 years, it had never been to war with anyone.

He described China and Nigeria as strong partners that have been working towards the development of one another.

On his part, the head of department, political science and international relations, University of Abuja, Professor Sheriff Ibrahim, while giving a historical background on China’s development, recommended that Nigeria must be deliberate in its pursuit of development.

He noted that Nigeria has alot of good policies that require self decipline among leaders and followers to implement.

Another professor from the University of Abuja, Bibi Farouk decried that Nigeria has not grown to its commensurate capability because its leaders refused to develop the country’s infrastructure.

He said Nigeria and China need to look at technological development in its partnership agreement to help each other grow.

He advised that Nigeria should open its markets for China to enable it benefit from Chinese technology.

China Calls on Developed Countries to Mop Up Their Climate Troubles

News

PDP, Sen. Lawan Condoles with Yobe Govt

Published

5 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

PDP, Sen. Lawan Condoles with Yobe Govt

By: Mamman Mohammed

PDP National Chairman Ambassador Umaru Iliya Damagum today led members of
the National Working Committee and Board of Trustees of the party on a sympathy visit to Gov. Mai Mala Buni over the Mafa attack and flood in some parts of the state.

The chairman commended Gov. Buni for giving every citizen of the state a sense of belonging irrespective of political differences.

“I must appreciate you for giving everyone a sense of belonging and fulfillment, despite our political differences” he said.

Amb. Damagum said PDP shares the pain and trauma suffered by the people over the senseless killing of innocent people, and the hardships caused by the floods.

Similarly, former Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, paid a sympathy visit to the governor and prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims of the Mafa attack and the floods.

He prayed to Allah to grant the departed souls Aljannatul Firdaus, and to console their families.

PDP, Sen. Lawan Condoles with Yobe Govt

News

UPDATE ON PLEDGES AND ACTUAL RECEIPTS OF DONATIONS FOR MAIDUGURI RELIEF FUND AS OF WEDNESDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2024

Published

5 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

UPDATE ON PLEDGES AND ACTUAL RECEIPTS OF DONATIONS FOR MAIDUGURI RELIEF FUND AS OF WEDNESDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2024

By: Michael Mike

The list of pledges and actual receipts of donations and support to the Government of Borno State from corporate entities, state governments, State and National Assembly members, individuals, and non-governmental organisations are detailed below.

Kindly note that not all amounts listed were credited to the Maiduguri Relief Fund for the Borno State Government. Similarly, details of the redeemed pledges of donations and material support will be announced in due course:

Note: Updates are given at the close of every day at 7:00 pm.

States

Bauchi State = N250m
Kebbi State = N200m
Adamawa State =N50m
Yobe State = N100m
Kano State =N100m
Gombe State =N100m
Taraba State =Nn100m
Katsina State =N100m

Organisations and Individuals

Alhaji Aliko Dangote =N2b (N1b to donated to NEMA)
Alhaji Aminu Dantata =N1.5b
HE Atiku Abubakar =N100m
HE Peter Obi =N50m
North East Dev Commission =N3b
Nigerian Senate = N54.5m
House of Representatives = N100m
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) =N25m
Borno House of Assembly =N60m
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan =N50m
Hon Zainab Gimba =N25m
Ibrahim Abba Umar =N50m
Sumaila Satumari = N20m
Hon Mallam Gana Kareto =N10m
Northern Senators Forum =N10m
Senator Barau Jibril =N10m
Hon Moh’d Abubakar Maifata =N50m
Southern Borno =N200m
Hon Zakariya Dikwa =N10m
Al-Amanah Aid =N1m
Hon Mohammed Imam =N50m
HE Maina Ma’aji Lawan = N10m
HE Ali Modu Sheriff = 100m
Hon Dr Ali Bukar Dalori = N50m
Sen MT Monguno = N50m
Sen Kaka Shehu Lawan = N50m
Hon Aliyu Betara = N100m
Hon Abdulkadir Rahis = N25m
Hon Ibrahim Abuna = N25m
Hon Usman Zannah = N10m
Hon Engr Bukar Talb = 10m
Hon Yerima Lawan Kareto = N2m
Abdussalam Kachallah = N100m
Awari Usman Alkali = N20m
Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC) = N50m
Dan Nene Construction Company = N30m
First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu =N500m
Dauda Kahutu (Rara Ra) =N10m
27 Borno LGAs =N1.350b
Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)/Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) =N10m

Non-Cash Donations

North East Dev Commission = 20,000 bags of 25kg rice, 20,000 cartons of macaroni and 10,000 gallons of vegetable oil.
Sumal Food Group, Ibadan = 50,000 loaves of bread and 5,000 cartons of biscuits.
Nasarawa State Government = 2 trucks of rice, 2 trucks of spaghetti and 2 trucks of sugar.
General Buba Marwa (Rtd) = 10 trucks load of fertiliser worth N120m.
Hon Aminu Jaji (HOR) = 600 bags of rice
Nigerian Society of Engineers, Borno State Chapter = 10,000 wrappers
Engineer Usman Monguno = 10,000 wrappers
Alhaji Abdulkadir Ali (Matrix Energy) = Asirted food items worth N120m
National Agency for Great Green Wall = 80 bags of 25kg rice, 30 cartons of 4.5l groundnut oil, 30 cartons of Macaroni, 30 cartons of spaghetti, 60 kerosene stoves, 73 big-size pots, 180 mats, 175 plastic chairs, 600 rubber buckets, 578 bowls, 78 mortar and pestle, 32 praying mats, 100-foot mats, 250 rubber and plastic trays, 256 bathroom slippers, 700 rubber cups, 353, stainless plates, 409 rubber plates, 291 ablation kettles, 192 aprons, 96 hand towels and 433 spoons.
Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)/Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) = 400kg of used clothes.

UPDATE ON PLEDGES AND ACTUAL RECEIPTS OF DONATIONS FOR MAIDUGURI RELIEF FUND AS OF WEDNESDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2024