Clara Omuluzua Madubike | I-Witness News
Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu has attended a regulatory dialogue/all inclusive interactive session on the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 organized by National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with German cooporation for international cooperation (GIZ Nigeria), European Union together with relevant Federal Agencies,Fed/State Ministries of Environment and Non-governmental organizations and held at Radisson Blue Hotels Ikeja, Lagos State.
The Dialogue main focus was to develop effective strategies for safe handling, collection, recycling and sound management of used batteries in the country, equip and delineate roles for the Federal and State governments officials towards the effective implementation of the Regulation/Regulatory framework, and proper sanctions which will address the environmental and health challenges posed by the improper management of used batteries in Nigeria.
Addressing the participants through the Federal Controller of Environment for South West Zone, Mrs. Olabimpe Adenaike, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal called for synergy between regulatory Agencies in the implementation of the Regulations.
He urged stakeholders to join forces to develop effective strategies for management of used batteries as that will foster a circular economy that will benefit both society and the environment.
In his welcome address, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, who spoke through the director South West Zonal office of Nesrea, Mr Elijah Udofia highlighted the complex nature of battery waste management, which necessitated the involvement of all stakeholders.
He urged operators to register with Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the Sector, the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling, (ARBR). He also stressed that it was mandatory for producers, importers and distributors of batteries in the country to manage the environmental impacts of their products.
On his part, the Anambra state Environment Commissioner, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu decried the imminent danger that unregulated battery waste disposal posed to the ecosystem, saying that the proactive enforcement of the actionable framework would prevent and minimise pollution and waste arising from used batteries in the country.
According to him, the real impact of any regulatory framework lies in its effective implementation and enforcement. He urged all officials to key into the regulation with urgency in order to foster a lead-free environment that will help sustain life, protect human existence and that of our ecosystem.
