The Nigerian Federal Government has introduced stringent penalties for facilities involved in battery production or usage that violate new battery control regulations. Facilities found non-compliant will face a minimum fine of N2 million, with potential jail terms of up to six months for their officials. These measures were announced by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) during the launch of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations in Abuja.
NESREA’s Director-General, Innocent Barikor emphasized the importance of regulating battery usage, given its rising popularity as an alternative energy source amidst the increasing cost of fossil fuels. According to Barikor, facilities posing imminent risks to human health or the environment could be sealed without a court order.
He added that penalties for non-compliance could escalate to as much as N50 million, depending on the severity of the violation. For individuals, fines start at N200,000 and can go up to N5 million.
In closing, NESREA officials urged all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and stressed the importance of a coordinated enforcement strategy that includes public awareness, infrastructure investment, and active stakeholder collaboration.
