The director-general of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor has called on African countries to unite and speak with one voice against environmental challenges threatening the continent.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the conclusion of the International Conference on Upgrading the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Sector, Barikor emphasised the need for African nations to adopt unified environmental standards. He stressed that harmonised regulations would ensure investors across the continent adhere to the same environmental requirements, regardless of their country of operation.
“Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) in Africa are not as connected as they should be, which suggests we are not giving environmental issues the attention they deserve. To get it right, EPA managers must work together, as they are closest to the ministers of environment. Only through collaboration can we achieve sustainability in the region,” Barikor stated.
He urged African leaders to use the conference as a springboard to promote the sound management of used lead acid batteries (ULABs) across the continent.
Also speaking at the event, executive director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV), Dr. Leslie Adogame highlighted the need for governments to ensure recycling facilities operate in line with global best practices.
A statement from NESREA’s assistant director of press, Amaka Ejiofor, noted that delegates from Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon and Tanzania shared insights on ULAB recycling in their respective countries. Experts at the conference proposed solutions, including incentives and stricter enforcement measures.
The two-day conference was organised by NESREA and the Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with SRADeV, on behalf of Oeko-Institut Germany. It brought together 55 organisations, including government agencies, NGOs, academia, development partners, recyclers, media, telecommunication operators and traditional rulers from various parts of the world.
