09/10/2026
The Deep Dive Workshop on Supporting Nigeria in Developing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Mechanism and Occupational Blood-Lead Testing for its Used Lead-Acid Battery (ULAB) Recycling Sector concluded its third and final day on 9 October at IBIS Hotel, Ikeja. The session focused on developing technical guidelines for occupational Blood Lead Level (BLL) testing and surveillance to protect workers, their families and surrounding communities from lead exposure.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling (ARBR), the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), Lagos, Oeko-Institut and Pure Earth, among others.
Drawing on international frameworks and guidance from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), stakeholders developed recommendations covering occupational health monitoring, laboratory quality assurance, data management, workers’ rights and risk communication. The session also featured a proposed roadmap outlining institutional roles and responsibilities for establishing an effective occupational BLL surveillance system in Nigeria.
At SRADeV Nigeria, we believe that a safer battery recycling sector begins with protecting the people at its heart. Evidence-based technical guidelines, reliable monitoring systems and coordinated action are essential to reducing lead exposure, safeguarding public health and building a more responsible and sustainable recycling value chain.