FG, Devt. partners to upgrade lead-acid battery recycling in Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV), is making strides to upgrade the lead-acid battery recycling sector across Africa.

This was highlighted during the opening of a two-day International Conference on Upgrading the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Sector on Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria.

The event was organized by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with SRADeV, and supported by international partners.

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At the conference, Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, emphasized the significance of improving the management of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) and promoting sound recycling policies in Nigeria and across Africa.

He pointed out the dangers of improper disposal and unsafe recycling of ULABs, highlighting that the practices were leading to hazardous environmental and health risks, including contamination of soil, water, and air.

These risks, according to Lawal, affect human health, particularly children and vulnerable populations, due to exposure to harmful substances like lead, cadmium, and sulphuric acid.

Lawal urged stakeholders to invest in formal recycling and battery waste management systems, which would contribute to a more sustainable and safe future for battery recycling.

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Dr. Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of NESREA, spoke about the importance of the conference as an opportunity to discuss the future of lead-acid battery recycling in Nigeria and the broader African context.

He noted that lead-acid batteries were essential for sectors like telecommunications, energy storage, and transportation, but their improper handling could lead to severe environmental damage and health issues.

Rep. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, highlighted the value of recycling in transforming waste into wealth.

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Additionally, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Annett Gunther, emphasised Germany’s continued support for Nigeria in implementing proper battery control regulations.

Gunther was represented by Mr. Joshua Garba, Programme Component and Implementation Manager, German Agency for International Cooperation GIZ.

Finally, Mrs. Miranda Amachree from the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling (ARBR) assured that the organization would continue collaborating with stakeholders to improve environmental health and safety in the recycling sector.