Agency, Ogun State Seal off Recycling Facilities In Ogijo

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, has sealed off recycling facilities in the Ogijo community in Ogun State.

The sealing follows the failure of the operators to comply with the provisions of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and the Protocol developed by NESREA to ensure environmentally sound management of used lead acid batteries and safeguard the health of residents and the environment.

A press statement signed by the Assistant Director, Press of the Agency, Nwamaka Ejiofor, revealed that under the protocol, the facilities are committed to managing ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner, and also prioritise staff health and safety, including an annual blood lead testing and provision of Personal Protective Equipment.

The recyclers, in their duty to the host community and in consideration of environmental responsibility, are required to conduct annual environmental impact audits on surrounding communities, transition to cleaner recycling technologies, and participate in pilot projects for the reuse of slag as a raw material for bricks and cement.

NESREA, in collaboration with the Ogun State government and other partners, under the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET), had carried out extensive assessment and sensitisation of the operators in the sector on international best practices in the recycling sector.

Despite these extensive engagements and the moratorium provided for operators to upgrade their technology, the Agency’s inspections have continued to reveal serious environmental violations of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations, 2024 (S.I. No. 11), including: