Commissioner Urges Proactive Enforcement To Tackle Battery Waste Danger

Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu, has raised concerns over the imminent threat of unregulated battery waste disposal to the ecosystem.

During a recent regulatory dialogue on the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024, organized by NESREA in partnership with GIZ Nigeria, the EU, and other stakeholders, Engineer Odimegwu emphasized the need for proactive enforcement to prevent pollution and minimize waste from used batteries.

Speaking at the event held at Radisson Blue Hotels Ikeja, Lagos State, Dr. Odimegwu stressed the essential role of effective implementation and enforcement of regulatory frameworks.

He urged officials to prioritize compliance to create a lead-free environment that protects human existence and sustains life in the ecosystem.

The dialogue aimed to develop strategies for the safe handling, collection, recycling, and sound management of used batteries in Nigeria. Participants, including representatives from Federal and State government agencies, ministries of environment, and NGOs, discussed ways to ensure compliance with the regulations and impose sanctions to address environmental and health challenges associated with improper battery disposal.

In addressing stakeholders through the Federal Controller of Environment for the South West Zone, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal called for synergy among regulatory agencies to effectively implement the regulations.

He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in managing used batteries to promote a circular economy beneficial to both society and the environment.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director-General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, highlighted the complex nature of battery waste management.

He stressed the involvement of all stakeholders and urged operators to register with the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for the sector, ARBR. Dr. Barikor also emphasized the mandatory responsibility of battery producers, importers, and distributors to manage the environmental impacts of their products.

Oyenike Oyeniyi