By: Ayoade Esther Damola
Nigeria has recently made a significant outcome in addressing neglected environment challenges with the initiation of a national campaign focused on safe collection and recycling of small-sized waste batteries.
In a goodwill message, the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, described the launch as a strong demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to meeting its obligations under international environmental agreements, including the Basel Convention on hazardous waste.
Unveiled during the event at the Green Building of the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja, this initiative introduces an organized system for the environmentally responsible management of discarded household batteries, including button cells in wristwatches, AA and AAA batteries in remote controls, and lithium-ion batteries used in mobile phones and other portable devices.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal says,
“the vital importance of this initiative, emphasizing the gap in Nigeria’s waste management system regarding the safe disposal of smaller batteries”.
He explained the dangers posed by improper disposal, stressing the need to protect human health and the environment from the toxic substances found in these batteries.
The program involves the deployment of specially designed collection receptacles at key locations across the Federal Capital Territory, such as markets, schools, offices, and motor parks. This strategy aims to make safe battery disposal easily accessible, thus preventing hazardous waste from ending up in landfills or informal recycling channels.
In collaboration with the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling (ARBR), the initiative is driving the collection, transportation, and environmentally compliant recycling of battery waste throughout Nigeria. ARBR emphasized the escalating volume of small battery waste due to increased technology adoption in the country, emphasizing the need for early capture and safe disposal.
The project’s downstream process includes the evacuation of collected batteries to central aggregation hubs, then onward transportation to licensed recycling facilities, ensuring compliance with national regulations.
Key partners, such as the Abuja Environmental Protection Board and the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, play crucial roles in maintaining the system’s efficiency and sustainability.
Aligned with Nigeria’s National Policy on Battery Waste Management and the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations, the initiative underscores the country’s commitment to international environmental standards.
Furthermore, the project aims to integrate informal waste collectors into formal systems, potentially unlocking economic opportunities while advancing the circular economy agenda.
The initiative emphasizes the critical role of public participation in ensuring its success and a new era for cleaner and safer environmental practices across Nigeria.
