The Federal Government has raised concerns over the estimated 80 million Nigerian children exposed to lead poisoning, warning that the toxic metal poses serious risks to public health, brain development and children’s long-term well-being.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, themed “From Detection to Prevention.”
Salako identified children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age as particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure. He warned that individuals could be exposed to the toxic substance without showing immediate symptoms, making early detection and preventive measures essential.
“Exposure can have serious and lasting consequences, while individuals may be exposed without immediate obvious symptoms,” the minister said.
He stressed that preventing exposure was more effective than relying solely on medical treatment after poisoning had occurred.
“We cannot treat our way out of lead poisoning; we must prevent exposure wherever possible,” he added.
As part of efforts to tackle the problem, Salako inaugurated the Five-Year Strategic Plan on Lead Poisoning Elimination in Nigeria, covering the period from 2026 to 2030. He also revealed that a three-year national roadmap was being developed to guide the implementation of the plan’s priorities.
The minister highlighted concerns surrounding battery recycling activities in Ogijo, Ogun State, as well as environmental investigations in Lagos, noting the need for stronger environmental protection measures and workplace safety regulations.
He identified several potential sources of lead exposure, including contaminated soil, unsafe water pipes, lead-based paints, toys, lead-glazed pottery, certain cosmetics such as traditional eyeliners known as tiro, and some traditional remedies.
To reduce the risk of exposure, Salako advised Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene by washing their hands regularly, cleaning children’s toys, wet-wiping floors instead of dry sweeping, and wearing appropriate protective clothing when handling materials that may contain lead.
Meanwhile, UNICEF consultant Sarah Ango described lead poisoning as a preventable but often invisible threat to children’s health and development.
Ango reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to ending childhood lead poisoning by 2040, stressing that children must be protected from exposure to the toxic metal.
She emphasised that there was no safe level of lead exposure for children, underscoring the importance of prevention, public awareness and coordinated action to address the problem.
The International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed from October 18 to 24, seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and encourage governments, communities and individuals to adopt measures that will help eliminate its sources.
The Federal Government’s warning highlights the importance of strengthening environmental monitoring, improving workplace safety and educating the public about everyday sources of lead, particularly to safeguard children and other vulnerable groups from its potentially lifelong effects.
