By Faridat Salifu
The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor, has called on African nations to forge a united front to tackle the persistent environmentalist crisis in the continent.
He was speaking during the recent International Conference on Upgrading the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Sector held in Abuja.
The two-day conference, organized by NESREA in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and SRADeV, supported by Oeko-Istitut Germany, brought together representatives from 55 diverse organizations.
Attendees included governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, development partners, and community leaders from various countries, highlighting a collective commitment to environmental sustainability.
Dr. Barikor outlined the pressing need for African countries to adopt unified environmental standards, stressing, “To effectively combat the environmental threats we face, we must present a united front.
He said investors must adhere to consistent regulations that transcend borders, ensuring that our natural resources are protected,” he stated. He criticized the current disconnection among Environmental Protection Agencies across the continent, urging closer cooperation to elevate environmental management practices.
Dr. Barikor elaborated on the specific measures Nigeria is taking to advance its lead-acid battery recycling sector.
He highlighted the groundbreaking regulations unveiled last year, which aim to improve compliance and establish a framework for collaboration with neighboring African nations.
The conference featured delegates from countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, and Tanzania, who shared valuable insights on the status of lead-acid battery recycling in their regions.
Experts engaged in discussions about innovative solutions, including incentives for compliance and stricter enforcement measures to enhance recycling practices.
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This exchange of knowledge fostered a spirit of collaboration aimed at addressing the continent’s recycling challenges.
This peer review process is vital for strengthening our regulations,” he noted.
A significant takeaway from the conference discussions was the urgent need for standardization across Africa.
Dr. Barikor explained that a uniform regulatory framework would prevent businesses from evading compliance by relocating to countries with less stringent standards. “Establishing consistent regulations will enhance accountability and foster a sustainable recycling environment. We must ensure that violators face consequences regardless of where they operate,” he asserted.
Addressing the principles of a circular economy, Dr. Barikor emphasized NESREA’s commitment to promoting responsible battery management practices. He outlined the importance of purposeful discharge and recycling of batteries, incorporating strategies for repurposing and reuse.
“Our goal is to create a system where battery management is sustainable and aligns with global best practices,” he explained.
On the topic of private sector investment opportunities, Dr. Barikor reassured stakeholders that the regulations are designed to support businesses, not hinder them.
He highlighted the accelerating transition to green energy and the anticipated quadrupling of battery demand in the coming years. “As we move towards renewable energy solutions, proper battery management will become increasingly essential to mitigate environmental risks,” he stated.
Dr. Barikor expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to control lead pollution within the next five years, crediting collaborative efforts among stakeholders to develop effective methodologies.
He stressed the importance of community education regarding the dangers of improper battery disposal and the necessity of safe technologies for economically viable lead extraction. “We must empower communities with knowledge to protect their health and the environment,” he urged.
Dr. Barikor called on Nigerians to refrain from breaking batteries and to utilize certified collectors for responsible disposal. He underscored the severe health risks posed by lead exposure, particularly its detrimental effects on children’s development and overall well-being.
“By promoting responsible practices, we can safeguard public health while advancing our recycling industry,” he said.
