By Faridat Salifu
The International Conference on Upgrading the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Sector in the African Region commenced on March 18, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, bringing together experts, stakeholders, and government officials dedicated to addressing the urgent challenges posed by used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) across the continent.
Organized under the Partnership for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET) Project, this conference marks a significant step toward advancing sustainable recycling practices in Nigeria and the broader African region.
Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, In his keynote address, expressed the critical need for improved management of ULABs. He highlighted the serious health and environmental risks associated with the improper disposal and unsafe recycling of these batteries.
“Exposure to hazardous materials like lead, cadmium, and sulfuric acid can lead to severe health complications, particularly among children and vulnerable populations,” he warned. Abbas Lawal called for urgent and collective action to mitigate these dangers, emphasizing that sound recycling practices are essential for protecting human health and the environment.
The conference serves as a vital platform for fostering regional collaboration among African nations. Notably, participants from Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and Cameroon were in attendance, contributing valuable insights and experiences from their respective countries.
Dr. Innocent B. Barikor, the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), underscored the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in developing effective strategies for battery waste management.
“Collaboration is key to ensuring sustainable practices that benefit our communities and the environment,” he stated.
One of the main focuses of the PROBAMET Project has been enhancing regulatory frameworks and building industry capacity.
Key achievements highlighted during the conference include capacity-building workshops conducted for recyclers, collectors, and regulatory bodies, aimed at instilling international best practices in responsible ULAB management.
Furthermore, comprehensive assessments of ULAB recycling facilities have been undertaken to identify gaps in compliance with environmental standards, promoting environmentally sound management practices throughout Nigeria.
The Minister also noted the launch of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulation 2024, which establishes stringent guidelines for the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of lead-acid batteries.
This regulatory framework is part of the Federal Government’s proactive approach to modernizing the lead-acid battery recycling sector and mitigating the risks associated with improper management.
As the conference progresses, participants are focusing on defining a long-term vision for ULAB recycling in Africa by 2035.
Key discussion points include the development of clear policy and regulatory roadmaps, strengthening the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to ensure sustainable industry participation in battery waste management, and encouraging investments in cleaner and more efficient recycling technologies to reduce environmental and health hazards.
The importance of enhancing regional cooperation to promote harmonized policies and facilitate cross-border knowledge exchange is also being emphasized.
Dr. Barikor expressed optimism regarding the potential outcomes of the conference, stating, “This gathering is an opportunity for all stakeholders to engage actively in discussions, share innovative ideas, and propose actionable solutions that will drive the sustainability of ULAB recycling.”
He added that the success of the PROBAMET project should be measured not just by its immediate achievements but by its long-term impact on public health and economic development across Africa.
Abbas Lawal concluded his address by extending his gratitude to all stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations that have contributed to the success of the conference.
He recognized the critical role of international partners, including the SRADeV Nigeria, Oeko-Institut e.V. Germany, GIZ, and the World Bank, among others, in fostering a collaborative environment for sustainable battery management.
As discussions continue, the collective commitment to implementing sustainable battery recycling practices is poised to pave the way for a greener future across the African continent.
With the PROBAMET Project leading the charge, there is hope for improved health outcomes, environmental protection, and a more robust recycling industry that meets the growing demands of the energy storage sector.