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FG in Renewed Commitment to Fight Against Environmental, Health Risks, Vows Crackdown on Illegal Recycling Operations in Nigeria

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FG in Renewed Commitment to Fight Against Environmental, Health Risks, Vows Crackdown on Illegal Recycling Operations in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government in its renewed commitment to addressing environmental and health risks associated with the improper disposal and recycling of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) in the country, on Tuesday vowed to crack down on illegal recycling operations in Nigeria.

While promising to implement policies to promote safe and sustainable battery waste management in the country, the Federal Government expressed its readiness to take the battle to ensure that the country is free of pollution from lead to every nooks and crannies of the country.

Speaking at the International Conference on Upgrading the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Sector in the African Region, organized by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV) on behalf of Oeko-Institut Germany, held on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal while presenting his keynote address,, said there is the urgent need to regulate lead-acid battery recycling, warning against the severe health risks posed by unsafe recycling practices.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, said with Africa experiencing rapid economic growth and increased demand for energy storage, cautioned that the improper disposal of lead-acid batteries has become a serious environmental and public health challenge, particularly due to lead poisoning in informal recycling operations.

He said: “The Federal Government fully recognizes the dangers of improper management of used lead-acid batteries and has taken proactive steps to regulate and modernize the sector.

“We have recently launched the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulation 2024, setting stringent guidelines for the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of lead-acid batteries.”

Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, underscored the importance of a collaborative approach in tackling battery waste management, highlighting the risks posed by unregulated recycling operations.

He noted that improper handling of lead-acid batteries has led to widespread soil and water contamination, air pollution, and severe health issues for workers and surrounding communities.

He assured that NESREA will intensify monitoring efforts, enforce compliance with environmental laws, and shut down illegal recycling operations.

In his remarks, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Terseer Ugbor, called for urgent reforms in the sector, urging the government to develop strategic policies to make Nigeria a hub for battery recycling and manufacturing in Africa.

He further advocated for investments in research, development, and collaboration between public and private sectors.

He revealed that the House Committee on Environment had proposed the repeal and re-enactment of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act to become the Environmental, Social, and Health Impact Assessment Act, which he said would significantly strengthen battery recycling regulations.

He said, “In the business of lead-acid battery recycling, we are now seeing an overcapacity issue where even the cleanest recycling plants struggle to find lead batteries to recycle.

“With this in mind, Nigeria must reconsider its ban on used battery imports and grant concessions to companies with the capacity to recycle responsibly.” He added.

Representing the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Programme Component and Implementation Manager at GIZ, Joshua Yari Garba, commended Nigeria’s commitment to advancing sustainable battery recycling and reaffirmed Germany’s support.

Garba emphasized that Germany’s support has significantly reduced environmental hazards caused by battery waste, strengthened private sector investments, and created employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth.

He said, “For over 50 years, Germany and Nigeria have collaborated on environmental initiatives, with Germany providing technical support in the transition to a green economy.

“We hope that this platform will further provide opportunities to address pressing environmental challenges and foster economic growth in Africa,” he added.

FG in Renewed Commitment to Fight Against Environmental, Health Risks, Vows Crackdown on Illegal Recycling Operations in Nigeria

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

By: Michael Mike

Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.

The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.

The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.

“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.

“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.

Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.

He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.

Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.

The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.

NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.

She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.

A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.

Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.

Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.

Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.

According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.

Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.

The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.

Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.

The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.

It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.

Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.

“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.

“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.

He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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