Nigerian investigation becomes AIJC award finalist — Premium Times Nigeria
A joint investigation by Nigerian outlet Premium Times and The Examination into the impact of battery recycling on lead pollution in Ogun State was named among the five finalists for the 2026 African Investigative Journalist of the Year award. The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 11 in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the AIJC African Investigative Journalism Conference.
Study in Ogijo
The investigation examined the health and environmental consequences of lead-acid battery recycling in certain areas of Africa. Premium Times reported in detail on the situation in Ogijo, Ogun State, where several battery recycling facilities operate.
To prepare the report, the authors commissioned independent blood testing of 70 residents, as well as soil and air sampling near the facilities. According to the investigation, seven out of 10 test participants had harmful levels of lead in their blood. All tested workers, the report said, had suffered lead poisoning, while more than half of the children examined had levels that could cause lifelong brain damage.
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Significant lead contamination was also found in soil and dust samples near the plants. The authors estimated that more than 20,000 people live within one mile of the facilities.
Response and competition
After publication, Nigeria's National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, shut down battery recycling facilities in Ogijo over environmental concerns. Ogun State authorities reported response measures, including plans to test residents for lead levels. Nigeria's House of Representatives called for an investigation into the situation and demanded an urgent response.
The shortlist also included work by journalists from South Africa, Kenya and Liberia. A record 204 entries from various African countries were submitted to the competition. The award is organized by the Wits Centre for Journalism with support from Absa Africa.
