The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, has sealed six recycling facilities in Ogijo community in the state.
The facilities include Hanuchi Manufacturing Ltd, BPL Nigeria Ltd, Metal Manufacturing Nig. Ltd, Vendanta Nigeria Ltd, African Non-Ferrous Industrial Ltd, and True Metal Nig. Ltd.
According to a statement on Thursday, November 27, 2025, by Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, they were shut down for failing to comply with the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024.
The statement added that the facilities also failed to adhere to the related protocol designed to ensure the safe management of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB).
Ejiofor explained that the regulations and protocol are aimed at protecting public health and the environment from the hazards of improper battery recycling.
She added that the regulations were developed to ensure environmentally sound management of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB) and safeguard public health.
“Under the protocol, the facilities committed to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound, and socially responsible manner,” she said.
She added that the protocol also prioritises staff health and safety, including annual blood lead testing and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Ejiofor noted that NESREA, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and other partners, had conducted extensive assessments and sensitisation of operators on international best practices in the recycling sector.
She said the exercises were carried out under the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET).
Meanwhile, NESREA has shut down Cornerstone, a facility managed by Istanbul Quarry in Dutse, Abuja.
According to Ejiofor, the facility was closed on Wednesday after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured staff and students of Graceland High School and damaged school property.
Ejiofor said students were writing exams around 12:30 pm when a loud bang sent rocks flying, destroying school buildings.
Eleven students and two staff were injured, with nearby shops also affected.
Glory Uboh, NESREA’s Deputy Director of Conservation Monitoring, said the closure was necessary because the quarry violated the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
“What happened is life threatening, that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility,” Uboh said.
She added, “Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry, will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows contradictions to quarry operating procedures and regulations.
“We will continue our investigations, and the facility will definitely be sanctioned in line with the National Environmental (Quarry and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.”
By Doris Esa