By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with Ogun State Ministry of Environment, sealed off recycling facilities in Ogijo community yesterday in Ogun State.
The sealing followed 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.
Under the protocol, the facilities are committed to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner, and also prioritize staff health and safety including an annual blood lead testing and provision of Personal Protective Equipment.
The recyclers, as duty to the host community and environmental responsibility are to conduct annual environmental impact audits on surrounding communities, transition to cleaner recycling technologies and participate in pilot projects for slag reuse for bricks and cement raw materials.
NESREA in collaboration with Ogun State government and other partners under the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET)had carried out extensive assessment and sensitization of the operators in the sector on international best practices in the recycling sector.
Similarly, Officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry in Dutse area of Abuja on Wednesday, after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured staff and students of Graceland High School, and damaged the school properties as well.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Assistant Director (Press), Nwamaka Ejiofor.
