An estimated 80 million children in Nigeria are exposed to lead poisoning, prompting the Federal Government to introduce a five-year strategy aimed at preventing exposure and tackling environmental sources of contamination.
The plan, covering 2026 to 2030, prioritises stronger surveillance, improved laboratory capacity and tighter controls on lead in soil, water, consumer products and industrial activities.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, unveiled the strategy on Wednesday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Salako said the government had established an Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Prevention and Elimination to coordinate efforts across ministries, departments and agencies, development partners and other stakeholders.
According to the minister, investigations in Lagos and concerns surrounding battery recycling in Ogijo, Ogun State, demonstrate the need for stronger environmental monitoring and occupational safety measures.
He also identified Lagos, Ogun, Zamfara and Sokoto as states requiring particular attention because of the exposure risks identified in their environments.
“We cannot treat our way out of lead poisoning; we must prevent exposure wherever possible,” Salako said.
The government is also developing a costed three-year national roadmap to translate the five-year strategy into specific actions and implementation timelines.
Lead exposure is particularly dangerous to children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age. Salako warned that people could be exposed without experiencing immediate symptoms, making early identification and prevention essential.
Dr Sarah Ango, a UNICEF consultant, described lead poisoning as a preventable but often invisible threat to children’s health and development.
She said UNICEF was supporting government efforts to strengthen surveillance, laboratory testing, public awareness and policy implementation, with a commitment to ending childhood lead poisoning by 2040.
Ango stressed that there was no safe level of lead exposure for children.
The minister urged Nigerians to watch for potential sources of contamination, including lead-based paint, contaminated soil, unsafe water pipes, lead-glazed pottery, toys, cosmetics such as traditional eyeliner known as tiro, and some traditional remedies.
He recommended handwashing, regularly cleaning children’s toys and wet-wiping floors and play areas rather than dry sweeping, which can spread contaminated dust.
People involved in construction, painting and battery recycling were also advised to wear appropriate protective clothing and follow safety precautions when handling lead-containing materials.
Salako further advised families to keep children and pregnant women away from areas where lead may be released, including battery recycling, repair and painting sites.
He said foods rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C could help reduce the body’s absorption of lead, although preventing exposure remains essential.
Mrs Okeoma Obasi, principal adviser at Resolve to Save Lives, said the organisation had supported surveillance systems, laboratory testing, evidence generation and public awareness initiatives.
She described prevention as the most effective and cost-effective way to protect children from lead poisoning.
The International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week runs from October 18 to 24 and seeks to raise awareness of lead exposure and promote measures to eliminate its sources.
