The federal government has launched the National Environment Battery Control Regulations, to prevent and minimize pollution and wastes emanating from batteries in Nigeria.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, with support from the Nigerian Energy Support Programme,NESP, Heinrich Boll Foundation and Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling, ARBR, unveiled the regulations on Thursday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal Abbas said the regulations aim to ensure the environmentally sound management of all types of batteries throughout their life cycle, from production, usage, collection, transportation, storage, recycling and disposal.
The minister, represented by the Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health,Federal Ministry of Environment, Usman Abdullahi Bokani said, the regulations would address the unregulated activities of battery recycling facilities and handlers which has impacted negatively on both human health and the environment.
He said, “it is widely recognized that batteries, particularly those used in renewable energy, telecommunication and automotive sectors, are critical to Nigeria economic development. However, the improper handling, that is, collection, recycling and disposal of used batteries present serious environmental and health challenges. The informal sector, which often handles waste batteries without regulation, significantly contributes to environmental pollution, including soil, air and water contamination.
“Batteries contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and lithium, amongst others. When improperly disposed of, these materials can lead tosevere health conditions including cancer, kidney damage and neurological disorders. Vulnerable populations, particularly children, face the greatest risk from exposure to these toxic substances.
“Furthermore, the unregulated activities of battery recycling facilities and handlers have impacted negatively on both human health and the environment. Ecosystems around these battery recycling facilities have been polluted and waste lead is often dumped indiscriminately in unauthorized locations without proper permits. These practices therefore must be curbed urgently.”
The Minister noted that 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.
In his remarks, the DG NESREA, Innocent Barikor said, the enforcement of the 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).
He said continuous misuse or mishandling of 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.
Innocent added that the launch of the regulations 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.
The Chairman, House of Representatives, Committee on Environment, Julius Gbabojor lauded the initiative, stating that the new regulation is timely and crucial as it sets out comprehensive guidelines for the proper handling, disposal, and recycling of batteries.
The Chairman who was represented by his Deputy, Terseer Ugbor said the regulations placed responsibility not only on manufacturers but also on consumers, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices.
He said enforcement of these regulations would ensure a significant step towards minimizing the environmental impact of battery waste and promoting a circular economy where resources are reused and recycled.
