The federal government on Thursday launched the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024.
The official launch of the document, which was attended by national and international stakeholders, has been described as providing the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with the requisite tool to effectively police the environmental practices relating to the battery sector.
The Minister of Environment who launched the document said, “These 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.”
He further stated that “improper handling, that is, collection, recycling, and disposal of used batteries, presents 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.”
The Minister was represented by the Director, Pollution Control and Public Health, Mr. Usman Abdullah Bokani.
Addressing the guest at the launch of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024. Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr Innocent B. Barikor, said the document would be a veritable tool to guide their effective policing of the environment, especially as it relates to this battery sector.
According to him, “NESREA’s enforcement efforts in the past have not been fully effective in the regulation and control of the battery sector due to the lack of encompassing, specific legislation that would holistically address emerging complexities and challenges in the battery sector.
“Hence, the development and gazette of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations, 2024, with the principal objective to prevent and minimise pollution and waste emanating from batteries in the Nigerian environment. Provisions in the Regulations cover new, used, and end-of-life batteries.
He said the “Battery Sector Regulations went through all necessary procedures precedent to the gazetting, including a full circle of stakeholders’ consultations, and hoped to effectively deploy the guidelines for safer and environmental best practices.
He maintained that with the regulation coming into force, “it will 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).”
In his remarks, the Chairman, House Of Representatives, Committee on Environment, Pondi Julius Gbabojor, noted that the usage of technologies in our daily lives has given rise to the use of batteries and also called for environmental best practices given the hazardous material still alive in the batteries even as waste.
He said, “Batteries, as we know, are essential components in many of the devices and technologies that power our modern lives.
“However, improper disposal and management of batteries pose a significant threat to our environment and public health.
“The hazardous materials contained within batteries, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, can leach into the soil and water, causing irreversible damage to ecosystems and human health.
This new regulation is timely and crucial as it sets out comprehensive guidelines for the proper handling, disposal, and recycling of batteries.
“It places responsibility not only on manufacturers but also on consumers, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices.
“By enforcing these regulations, we are taking a significant step towards minimising the environmental impact of battery waste and promoting a circular economy where resources are reused and recycled.”
They all commended the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (NIDO) and the other multinational bodies that supported the development of the codes.
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