Anambra State Pioneers Sustainable Battery Recycling with PROBAMET Initiative

The Anambra State government is poised to establish a standardized and sustainable battery recycling sector through the implementation of the Partnership for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET) in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

This commitment was emphasized by the state’s Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, during the recent International Conference focused on enhancing and standardizing the lead-acid battery recycling sector across Africa, held in Abuja.

As a member of the project task team for PROBAMET, which commenced in September 2024, Dr. Odimegwu highlighted the importance of mitigating environmental and health risks posed by hazardous materials in battery and metal recycling. He emphasized the government’s dedication to promoting a circular economy while ensuring the safety of both the environment and community health.

“The Anambra State government is eager to see the successful implementation of PROBAMET alongside NESREA and other stakeholders. We are committed to upholding the principles of sustainability, environmental safety, and community well-being,” Dr. Odimegwu stated.

The conference, which marked the conclusion of PROBAMET’s initial activities, was organized by NESREA and the Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV) and Oeko-Istitut of Germany.

Key development partners included the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS), Alliance for Rural Electrification, Platform Bei, and the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling, with representatives from Kenya, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Ghana in attendance.

During discussions with the PROBAMET team on the sidelines of the conference, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, pledged the Nigerian government’s commitment to sanitizing the battery recycling sector.

He announced plans to enforce best practices aligned with global standards and provide support to compliant recycling facilities while holding non-compliant entities accountable.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director General of NESREA, expressed gratitude to the German government for its assistance in standardizing the battery recycling industry.

He noted that PROBAMET has laid a solid foundation for future advancements and encouraged African nations to foster investments in cleaner, more efficient recycling technologies. He advocated for strengthening the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to encourage sustainable industry participation in battery waste management, and for enhancing regional cooperation to harmonize policies across African countries.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, represented by GIZ Programme Component and Implementation Manager, Mr. Joshua Garba, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving sustainable management of used batteries.

Notable attendees included Honourable Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment; Engr. Dr. Mrs. B.H. Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health; Saleh Abubakar, Director General of the National Agency for Great Green Wall; Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya; and Oba Kazeem Badamosi, the Ologijo of Ogijo Kingdom.