BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for deeper collaboration among African countries towards adopting a unified standards in addressing environmental challenges threatening the continent.
To commit to enhancing regulatory framework, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and the Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with SRADeV, organized a two-day International Conference on Upgrading the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Sector in Africa, marking a significant milestone of collective effort to promote responsible and sustainable battery recycling practices, particularly under the Partnership for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET) Project.
The Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor who spoke during the conference, emphasized that lead-acid batteries are indispensable to various sectors, including telecommunications, energy storage and transportation.
He decried their improper handling and informal recycling pose severe environmental and public health risks as well as inadequate waste management practices that have led to soil and water contamination, air pollution, and serious health consequences for workers and surrounding communities.
Recognizing these challenges, the DG noted that the PROBAMET project was conceived as a transformative initiative to enhance regulatory frameworks, build industry capacity, and facilitate collaboration among key stakeholders.
Highlighting the significant strides achieved in the past year, Dr. Barikor stressed that the adoption of unified standards on environmental issues would guarantee that investors on the continent comply with the unified criteria, regardless of the country in which they conduct their operations.
“Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) in Africa are not as close as expected. It suggests we are not giving the environment the attention it deserves on the continent. To get it right as far as environment is concerned, the managers of EPAs in Africa must work together because they are closest to the Ministers of Environment. It is only then we can achieve environmental sustainability in the Region,” he stated.
NESREA boss expressed optimism that the resolutions from the conference will promote sound management of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULABs) on the continent. He asserted that the success of the PROBAMET project is not just measured by its present achievements but by the long-term impact it will have on our environment, public health, and economic development.
Dr. Barikor acknowledged the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability that continue to inspire and drive national policies. He also thanked Her Excellency, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Annett Gunther, whose support underscores the significance of international partnerships in achieving sustainable environmental solutions.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV), Dr. Leslie Adogame called for the need for government to ensure the recycling facilities in the country operate in line with global best practices.
The conference hosted 55 delegations from Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, encompassing governmental and non-governmental organizations, academia, media, development partners, recyclers, and the telecommunications. It provided an opportunity to deliberate on the future trajectory of lead-acid battery recycling in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.