The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), working with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, has closed six recycling facilities in the Ogijo area of Ogun State.
The affected companies are Hanuchi Manufacturing Ltd, BPL Nigeria Ltd, and Metal Manufacturing Nig. Ltd, Vendanta Nigeria Ltd, African Non-Ferrous Industrial Ltd, and True Metal Nig. Ltd.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, the facilities were sealed for failing to comply with the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024.
She explained that the companies also violated the protocol established to ensure the safe handling and management of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB).
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Ejiofor noted that the regulations are designed to protect public health and the environment from the risks associated with unsafe battery recycling practices.
She added that the guidelines provide a framework for environmentally sound management of ULABs.
“Under the protocol, the facilities are required to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe and responsible manner,” she said.
She further stated that the protocol emphasises worker health and safety, mandating annual blood lead testing and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Ejiofor added that NESREA, in partnership with the Ogun State government and other stakeholders, had previously conducted assessments and sensitisation activities for operators on international best practices in the recycling industry.
These efforts were carried out under the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling.
