By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has inaugurated a Sub-Committee to investigate environmental pollution resulting from the illegal disposal of used batteries across Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Chairman, House Committee on Environment Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba.
According to the statement, the Sub-Committee was established in line with the Committee’s oversight responsibility to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws and to address the growing concerns over hazardous waste management in the country.
The Committee noted that the improper disposal, unlawful auctioning, and indiscriminate dumping of used batteries have become a serious environmental challenge. “These activities pose significant risks to soil quality, water bodies, air safety, and public health, particularly in communities where informal recycling and unsafe handling practices are prevalent”.
The investigative panel has been mandated to assess the level of compliance by both private and public sector organisations with existing environmental regulations governing the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of used batteries. The Committee emphasized that accountability and enforcement are critical to preventing further environmental degradation.
In carrying out its assignment, the Sub-Committee will examine the implementation of key environmental laws, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act, the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 under the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions) Act. “These laws clearly prohibit the unlawful dumping and improper disposal of hazardous waste, including used batteries”.
The Sub-Committee will be chaired by Hon. Terseer Ugbor and has been given a six (6) week timeframe to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Committee for further legislative action.
Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, expressed confidence in the capacity of the Sub-Committee to deliver on its mandate and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to strengthening environmental governance, enforcing compliance, and protecting Nigerians from the dangers associated with hazardous waste pollution.
The Committee reiterated that environmental protection remains a national priority and assured stakeholders of transparent and thorough investigative proceedings.
