Battery Control Regulations in Nigeria: New Penalties and Responsibilities
In a bid to regulate the growing use of batteries in Nigeria, the Federal Government has introduced a new set of regulations with stiff penalties for violators. According to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), any facility that uses or produces batteries and violates the regulations will face a fine of at least N2 million. Additionally, officials of such facilities risk a six-month jail term.
The new regulations, launched in Abuja on Thursday, aim to address the hodgepodge of batteries that will be produced in the industry due to the rising cost of fossil fuel, said Innocent Barikor, Director-General of NESREA. The agency believes that the battery disposal method in Nigeria is not in line with global best practices, which is why the regulations are necessary.
Under the new regulations, corporate organizations found guilty of violating the battery control regulations can face fines ranging from N2 million to over N50 million, depending on the severity of the offense. Individuals, on the other hand, can be fined up to N5 million for similar offenses.
George Tyendwa, Director of Legal Services at NESREA, explained that the agency will not hesitate to seal facilities that violate the regulations, even without a court order, if they pose a threat to human health and the environment. "We do not wait to secure a court order before sealing a facility where imminent danger is on," he said.
Tyendwa also emphasized the importance of public education and stakeholder collaborations in ensuring the success of the regulations. He recommended that all relevant stakeholders critically study and comply with the provisions of the regulations to ensure the effectiveness of the new measures.
With the new regulations in place, Nigerians are expected to play a crucial role in enforcing them. As citizens, they are required to report any instances of battery dumping in public spaces, water, air, and land. The agency hopes that this will encourage a sense of responsibility and accountability among individuals and corporate organizations alike.
The Federal Government’s move to regulate the battery industry is seen as a step in the right direction, as it aims to promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in Nigeria. The new regulations will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the industry, and it is up to stakeholders to work together to ensure their successful implementation.
