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

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