Federal Government Imposes Stricter Regulations on Battery Industry
The Federal Government has announced stringent penalties for facilities involved in the production and use of batteries that violate regulations in Nigeria. Offenders face fines of up to N2m and a possible six-month jail term, according to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
NESREA Director-General, Innocent Barikor, emphasized the need for regulation in light of batteries becoming a popular alternative energy source. The new regulations cover production, storage, transportation, and disposal methods, aiming to align Nigeria with global standards.
Non-compliance with the regulations could result in facilities being sealed without a court order if there is a threat to human health. Fines for violations range from N200,000 for individuals to N10m or more for corporate entities, depending on the severity of the offense.
NESREA calls for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure compliance with the regulations and emphasizes the importance of public education, infrastructure investment, and stakeholder collaboration for effective enforcement.
