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

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
Three Bandits Killed as Terrorists Attack Chediya Community in Tsafe LGA

Three Bandits Killed as Terrorists Attack Chediya Community in Tsafe LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
At least three suspected terrorists were neutralised on Sunday following a violent attack on Chediya community in Agarin ward of Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
According to local sources, armed bandits stormed the village in the early hours, opening fire and setting several houses ablaze. The residents, however, mounted stiff resistance, engaging the attackers in a fierce confrontation that resulted in the death of three of the assailants.
While the villagers succeeded in repelling the attackers, the bandits also burned down several homes and forced many families to flee for safety.
“They came heavily armed and started shooting sporadically. Some of our youth confronted them, and in the fight, we managed to kill three of them,” said a resident who asked not to be named for security reasons.
Three Bandits Killed as Terrorists Attack Chediya Community in Tsafe LGA
News
Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution

Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), on Monday, called for urgent global action to tackle plastic pollution causing environmental crisis.
APWEN, under its “STEM for All” initiative, North-East zone, made the call, while commemorating the 2025 World Environment Day in Gombe.
Speaking virtually, President of APWEN, Engr. Adebisi Osim, said it is imperative to encourage recycling of plastics, as part of measures to reduce pollution.
Osim noted that the amount of plastics manufactured annually for use had made it necessary for urgent actions to be taken, to ensure a cleaner and safer environment.
“Today’s theme, “End Plastic Pollution” is not just a catchy phrase, It is a wake-up call; a global one and we are answering that call, not with panic, but with STEM-driven solutions and people-centered action.
“According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the world produces over 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, and over two-thirds of that becomes waste.
“Alarmingly, less than 10 per cent is recycled, and the rest clogs our drains, litters our streets, chokes our rivers, and poisons marine life.
“Here in Nigeria, the World Bank estimates that Lagos alone generates 13,000 metric tonnes of waste per day, and 15 per cent of that is plastic.
“We see it daily in pure water sachets lining our gutters, single-use bags littering markets, and microplastics infiltrating our food chains,” she said
.
Osim called on stakeholders to invest more in recycling the plastics towards reducing the need for new plastic production, which will in turn lower greenhouse gas emission.
She assured that state chapters are collaborating with young people, to design plastic alternatives, using local materials, and to build waste-sorting systems using simple robotics.
Osim added that the chapters will also explore the conduct of STEM fairs, which are focused on sustainable innovation.
In the same vein, Chairman of the Gombe chapter of APWEN, Engr. Deborah Danladi, urged stakeholders to invest in plastic waste recycling, to save the environment, as well as create jobs and wealth for youths.
Danladi also underscored the need for more action and sensitisation to ensure collective approach to addressing the menace of plastic pollution.
Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution
News
UN Agencies Drum Support for Adequate Investment in MSMEs

UN Agencies Drum Support for Adequate Investment in MSMEs
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations (UN) agencies in Nigeria have hammered on the need for adequate investment in the development of Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to advance economic growth in the country.
The agencies disclosed this during the commemoration ceremony of the 2025 MSMEs Day on Monday in Abuja.
The event was jointly organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Director, UNIDO Sub-regional Office, Abuja, Mr. Philbert Johnson, who was represented by National Programme Officer at UNIDO, Mr. Reuben Bamidele,, said that MSMEs role in nation building cannot be underestimated, therefore the need for adequate investment to ensure their sustainable growth is of uppermost importance.
Johnson said: “We are gathered together today to discuss proper ways to promote innovation and growth within the MSMEs sector.
“In Nigeria, as we know not less than 40million MSMEs are making huge contribution to the economic growth of the country, by providing employment and serving as means of livelihood for people.
“MSMEs, thereby, contribute to the growth of Gross Domestic Products across sectors of the country’s economy. We gathered to dissect the challenges MSMEs face and also, to work closely together towards achieving sustainable growth.”
The ILO Country Representative, Dr Vanessa Phala, stressed the need for strategic measures to be taken to bolster MSMEs impact on the nation’s economy.
Phala, who was represented by ILO’s National Project Coordinator for the Social Dimension of Ecological Transition, Stephen Agugua, said: “We look at how MSMEs can drive the future of the economy through job creation and employment. When you think of job creation and employment that is where ILO comes in.
“MSMEs are key to the growth of every economic sphere: Through this dialogue platform ILO will know the challenges MSMEs are facing and look at pathways for ensuring sustainable solutions collectively.”
The UNDP Deputy-Director, Ms Varsha Redkar-Palepu, represented the National Programme Specialist and Trade Focal Point at UNDP by Claire Henshaw,, described MSMEs as pivotal to nation building.
She noted that MSMEs form the foundation of inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria, “MSMEs are vital engines for job creation, innovation and social mobilisation, particularly for women and youths. While operating on margins of formal economic systems, we need to put MSMEs at the centre of our development.
“In Nigeria and across Africa, MSMEs holds the key to transforming economic opportunities to meaningful development and the ambition into tangible outcomes,” Phala said.
On his part, Managing-Director of Prohealth, a private organisation, Dr Chinedu Nnabuihe who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), commended the UN agencies for putting the event together.
According to him, the event is dedicated to the invaluable role MSMEs play in advancing innovation, creating jobs, increasing inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the country.
“In Nigeria, MSMEs are the engine of our economy, driving local production, supporting livelihood and contributing significantly to national GDPs. This is amidst challenges posed by economic situation, limited access to finance and infrastructure.
“Nigeria MSMEs have continued to demonstrate resilience, creativity and determination. At NECA we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an enabling environment in supporting MSMEs development,” Nnabuihe said.
The event attracted stakeholders from Small and Medium Enterprises Development (SMEDAN), Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigeria Association of of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Others include, National Insurance Commission (NICOM), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
Highpoint of the event was visit by the stakeholders to the exhibition stand of MSMEs, overview of UNDP engagement with MSMEs, government agencies’ engagement with MSMEs and WIP-intellectual property for MSMEs.
End
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics3 weeks ago
2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift