From David Onuoja, Abuja
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with Ogun State Ministry of Environment, has on Thursday sealed off recycling facilities in Ogijo community in Ogun State for not complying with the provision of the law.
The seal follows 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 which will be used to lead acid batteries and safeguard the health of residents and the environment.
Under the protocol, the facilities committed to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner, and also prioritise 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.
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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 sensitisation of the operators in the sector on international best practices in the recycling sector.
In another development, officials of NESREA, 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.
The Investigation by NESREA showed that the students were in their various classes writing exams when they heard a bang at about 12.30 pm, followed by flying rocks which destroyed the school buildings, with 11 students and 2 staff of the school sustaining various degrees of injury.
Nearby shops were also affected by the flying rocks.
Deputy Director, Conservation Monitoring, Glory Uboh, said the Agency took the step to shut down the facility as their operations were contrary to the provisions of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
According to her, “What happened is life threatening, that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility. Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry, which carried out the blasting operation will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows contradiction to Quarry operating procedure and regulations.
“We will continue with our investigations and the facility will definitely be sanctioned in line with the National Environmental (Quarry and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013”, she added.
