Olaniyi Babalola Champions Lead-Acid Battery Recycling in Nigeria

Amid the call for sustainable industrial reform and responsible waste management in Africa, one expert is turning discarded batteries into environmental and economic opportunity.

Olaniyi Babalola, an environmental technologist and the CEO of African Silesian Business Hub (ASBH), is spearheading efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s recycling capacity — with a specific focus on lead-acid battery recovery.

Babalola, who manages industrial operations across Poland and Nigeria, says that recycling lead-acid batteries is more than an environmental solution — it is a national economic asset waiting to be scaled.

“Every battery we recycle is a toxic pollutant we’ve removed from our water, soil, and communities,” he explained. “But even more, it’s lead and plastic being returned to the economy, saving energy and reducing the pressure on virgin material extraction.”

Through his leadership at Bablo Industries Nigeria Limited, the Ibadan-based battery recycling firm, Babalola has created jobs while minimizing environmental impact. His model aligns with circular economy principles — where waste is not discarded but repurposed to create value.

According to him, a single recycling facility can recover up to 95% of a used lead-acid battery, including lead, plastic, and acid. Yet the challenge remains in scaling these facilities across the country.

“The market exists. The technology exists. What we need now is policy support and investment incentives,” Babalola said. “Recycling must move from being a private sector burden to a national development strategy.”

Nigeria currently imports a significant quantity of lead, even as tons of used batteries are dumped in landfills or burnt in informal markets. With better regulation, Babalola believes Nigeria could become a net exporter of recycled lead, tapping into the growing global demand for sustainable raw materials — especially in electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

Beyond economic gain, the health benefits are just as urgent. Lead exposure from improperly disposed batteries is linked to kidney failure, developmental issues in children, and long-term neurological damage.

“Recycling is not just a business; it’s a public health intervention,” Babalola said. “And if Nigeria can lead on this, we can export that model to other West African nations.”

To catalyze this transition, he recommends that the Nigerian government create licensing frameworks for battery recyclers, enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, and offer tax incentives for green manufacturing.

His voice is part of a growing movement in Africa to embrace circular industrial models. As the world shifts to greener economies, Olaniyi Babalola is positioning Nigeria not just as a participant — but as a pioneer.