By DORIS ESA

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

The facilities include Hanuchi Manufacturing Ltd, BPL Nigeria Ltd, Metal Manufacturing Nig. Ltd, Vendanta Nigeria Ltd, African Non-Ferrous Industrial Ltd, and True Metal Nig. Ltd.

According to a statement on Thursday by Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, they were shut down for failing to comply with the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024.

The statement added that the facilities also failed to adhere to the related protocol designed to ensure the safe management of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB).

Ejiofor explained that the regulations and protocol are aimed at protecting public health and the environment from the hazards of improper battery recycling.

She added that the regulations were developed to ensure environmentally sound management of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB) and safeguard public health.

“Under the protocol, the facilities committed to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound, and socially responsible manner,” she said.

She added that the protocol also prioritises staff health and safety, including annual blood lead testing and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Ejiofor noted that NESREA, in collaboration with the Ogun State government and other partners, had conducted extensive assessments and sensitisation of operators on international best practices in the recycling sector.

She said the exercises were carried out under the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET). (NAN)