NESREA Harps on Compliance with Battery Control Regulations, Holds Workshop for Stakeholders
In a push to scale up efforts to promote best practices in the battery and metal recycling sectors, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, (NESREA) in partnership with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), Monday held a capacity building workshop on used lead acid battery (ULAB) recycling in Nigeria.
The workshop, which is part of the second phase of the Partnership for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET) project is a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to promote responsible battery recycling and sustainable sourcing of non-ferrous metals in Nigeria, and is organized with the support of Oeko-Institut e.V. Germany, the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) managed by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), WV Metalle GmbH, and the Alliance for Rural Electrification.
Addressing participants at the workshop, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor said strict adherence to the provisions of the regulations would ensure sound management of used batteries in the country.
Dr. Barikor noted, “These regulations provide a comprehensive legal framework for the environmentally sound management of all types of batteries throughout their life cycle. They aim to prevent and minimize pollution and waste arising from used batteries.”
He sought for synergy among key players along the value chain, saying, “Under the EPR framework, NESREA has registered the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling (ARBR) as the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for the battery sector in Nigeria. Producers, collectors, and recyclers are required to collaborate with ARBR to ensure the sustainable management of used batteries and to foster a circular economy. Such collaboration is crucial for reducing environmental pollution and mitigating the adverse health impacts associated with improper battery collection and recycling.”
The NESREA DG described PROBAMET as a timely intervention which is in line with the efforts by the Nigerian government to bring sanity to the battery and metal recycling sectors. “The project’s objectives include building local capacities, reducing risks associated with battery recycling, strengthening grievance mechanisms, and improving data collection and transparency. These objectives align with NESREA’s broader goal of promoting sustainable environmental management across the country.
In a goodwill message, the Anambra State Commissioner for environment, Mr. Felix Odimegwu said, the aim to establish an industry standard for safe battery and metal recycling, grounded in globally accepted practices, is a key step toward ensuring that we reduce the environmental and health risks associated with these materials while promoting a circular economy.”
The itinerary for the workshop participants includes visit to various recycling facilities in Lagos and Ogun States.