By David Okoh
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Mike Etaba, has inaugurated a Sub-Committee to investigate the growing menace of illegal used battery disposal across Nigeria, describing the situation as a serious threat to public health and environmental safety.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Etaba said the decision to set up the panel was in line with the Committee’s constitutional oversight responsibility to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws and safeguard communities from hazardous waste pollution.
According to him, the improper disposal, unlawful auctioning and indiscriminate dumping of used batteries have become “a major environmental challenge with far reaching consequences.
“These activities pose significant risks to our soil, water bodies, air quality and, most importantly, the health of our people,” Etaba said. “We cannot fold our arms while hazardous waste is handled carelessly, especially in communities where informal recycling and unsafe practices are prevalent.”
The Chairman stressed that the investigative panel would assess the level of compliance by both private and public sector organisations with existing environmental regulations governing the handling, storage, transportation and disposal of used batteries.
He emphasized that enforcement and accountability remain critical in preventing further environmental degradation.
“We must ensure that those responsible for managing hazardous materials comply strictly with the law. Accountability and enforcement are key to protecting our environment and the wellbeing of Nigerians,” he stated.
Etaba explained that the Sub-Committee would examine the implementation of key environmental laws, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act, the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 issued under the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions) Act.
He noted that these laws clearly prohibit unlawful dumping and improper disposal of hazardous waste, including used batteries, and warned that violations would not be treated lightly.
The Sub-Committee, chaired by Hon. Terseer Ugbor, has been given six weeks to conclude its investigation and submit its report for further legislative action.
Expressing confidence in the capacity of the panel, Etaba reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to strengthening environmental governance in Nigeria.
“Environmental protection remains a national priority,” he said. “We are determined to enforce compliance, close regulatory gaps where they exist, and protect Nigerians from the dangers associated with hazardous waste pollution.”
The Committee assured stakeholders that the investigative process would be transparent and thorough, with the ultimate goal of ensuring safer environmental practices nationwide.
