House of Representatives Committee on Environment has inaugurated a sub-panel to investigate environmental pollution resulting from illegal disposal of used batteries across Nigeria.
In a statement yesterday, Chairman of the committee, Mike Etaba (PDP-Cross River), announced Terseer Ugbor (APC-Benue) as chairman of the sub-panel.
Etaba said the sub-panel was established as part of its oversight responsibility to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws and address the growing concerns of hazardous waste management in the country.
According to him, improper disposal, unlawful auctioning and indiscriminate dumping of used batteries have become a serious environmental challenge.
Etaba said improper disposal poses significant risks to soil quality, water bodies, air safety, as well as public health, particularly in communities where informal recycling and unsafe handling practices are prevalent.
He mandated the sub-panel to assess the level of compliance by private and public sector organisations with existing environmental regulations governing the handling, storage, transportation and disposal of used batteries.
Etaba said accountability and enforcement are critical in preventing further environmental degradation.
“In carrying out its assignment, the sub-panel will examine the implementation of key environmental laws like Environmental Impact Assessment Act, National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 under the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, and the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions) Act.
“These laws clearly prohibit the unlawful dumping and improper disposal of hazardous waste, including used batteries.
“The sub-committee will be chaired by Ugbor and it has been given a six-week timeframe to complete its investigation and submit the report to the committee for further legislative action,” he said.
Etaba expressed confidence in the capacity of members of the sub-committee to deliver on its mandate.
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthen environmental governance and enforce compliance, as well as to protect Nigerians from the dangers associated with hazardous waste pollution.
According to the lawmaker, environmental protection remains a national priority, assuring stakeholders of transparent and thorough investigative proceedings. NAN
