By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Federal Government has launched the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024, saying the improper handling, that is, collection, recycling and disposal of used batteries present serious environmental and health challenges.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas 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 Abdullahi 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.
“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 of 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, Mrs Miranda Amachree, the Executive Secretary of the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling (ARBR), 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.
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.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director-General, NESREA, 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.”
