Federal government launches battery control regulations

The Federal Government has launched the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 to address pollution and waste management related to batteries in Nigeria.

The regulations, unveiled on Thursday in Abuja, aim to ensure the environmentally sound management of used batteries across the country, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, represented by Mr. Usman Bokani, Director of Pollution and Public Health at the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), explained that the new regulations are aligned with international guidelines, including the Basel and Bamako Conventions, to manage hazardous waste effectively.

Lawal highlighted that batteries, particularly those used in renewable energy, telecommunications, and automotive sectors, are vital for Nigeria’s economic growth but contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and lithium. Improper disposal of these materials poses serious health risks, including cancer, kidney damage, and neurological disorders. Vulnerable populations, especially children, are at the highest risk of exposure to these toxic substances.

The regulations outline the environmentally sound management of batteries throughout their lifecycle, from production and usage to disposal and recycling. Lawal noted that the informal sector, which often handles waste batteries without regulation, is a significant source of environmental pollution.

Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director-General of NESREA, emphasized that the regulations would help close gaps in the handling of waste batteries, particularly Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULABs). “The enforcement of this Regulation is crucial to prevent health risks, especially to women and children involved in mishandling batteries,” Barikor stated.

Rep. Pondi Gbabojor, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, represented by his deputy, Rep. Terseer Ugbor, called the regulations a “significant milestone” in environmental protection efforts, commending NESREA for its dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s environment. He stressed that while batteries are essential for modern technologies, improper disposal poses a severe threat to public health and the environment.