The Federal Government and other stakeholders have introduced National Environmental (Battery Control) regulations, which are aimed at tackling the management of used batteries and other dangerous substances in the country.

The regulations, which were developed in collaboration with the European Union, German Cooperation and several bodies in the sector, have established national standards of best practices and market development for waste battery management in line with the provisions and recommendations of the Basel and the Bamako Conventions.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, stated that the document is part of the administration’s efforts to promote the practice of battery waste disposal in an internationally standardised nature, facilitate and create an enabling environment for deploying renewable energy projects.

Lawal also explained that the regulations are aimed at ensuring the environmentally sound management of all types of batteries throughout their life cycle, from production, usage, collection, transportation, storage, recycling and disposal.

He declared: “It is widely recognised that batteries, particularly those used in renewable energy, telecommunication and automotive sectors, are critical to Nigeria’s economic development. However, the 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.

“Batteries contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and lithium, amongst others. When improperly disposed of, these materials can lead to severe health conditions including cancer, kidney damage and neurological disorders.”

The Minister further stressed that the vulnerable populations, particularly children face the greatest risk from exposure to these toxic substances and unregulated activities of battery recycling facilities, as well as handlers have impacted negatively on both human health and the environment.

Lawal said Nigeria is a signatory to international conventions, treaties and agreements such as the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal and the Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within Africa.

“In line with the Convention, the ministry developed and launched the National Policy on Waste Battery Management in 2022, aligning our practices with global standards for the safe handling, recycling and disposal of used batteries. The newly launched regulations thus provide the necessary legal framework to enforce compliance and ensure that Nigeria continues to protect both the environment and public health,” he said.

NESREA Director General, Dr Innocent Barikor, said today marks an important milestone in the Nigerian environment as this new legislation will further sharpen the landscape in the thematic area of pollution control in our country.

Barikor recalled enforcement efforts in the past that 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.

He argued that the development and gazette of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations, 2024 will prevent and minimise pollution and waste emanating from batteries.

The Director General said: “The Battery Control Regulations will support the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure sustainable handling of waste batteries mostly resulting from the accelerated use of renewable energy solutions, such as solar home systems and mini-grids.

The Head of Programme, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Duke Benjamin, said the document will reduce the release of toxic chemicals in the atmosphere along different levels of the value chain.

“The policy provides specific direction on Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of waste batteries to foster a safe environment, especially for the workforce involved in the battery manufacturing and waste recycling value chain and people living within the vicinities of waste battery collection and recycling facilities in Nigeria,” he added.

The Executive Secretary, Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling (ARBR), Mrs Miranda Amachree, said the organisation has seen the impact of sub-standard collection and recycling practices on workers, communities and the environment, and is committed to finding sustainable solutions to mitigate these risks.

“We are now equipped with the necessary instruments to assist our members to comply with the provisions of the regulations as we believe that we can make a remarkable difference in improving environmental health and safety for a more sustainable and responsible future in the battery sector in Nigeria,” she said.