Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Resolve to Save Lives and the Lagos State Government have launched a coordinated strategy to reduce lead poisoning risks and strengthen environmental safety across the state.
The three-day stakeholders’ workshop, which ended on Friday, brought together officials from the health, environment, consumer protection and water sectors to develop policies aimed at curbing toxic exposure.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dayo Lajide, says lead poisoning remains a major public health threat in Nigeria.
“Exposure to contaminated consumer products and unsafe industrial activities continues to pose serious risks to residents,” Lajide says.
The workshop focuses on strengthening surveillance systems, improving public awareness and tackling contamination linked to cosmetics, electronic waste and unsafe industrial practices.
Director of Health Care Planning, Research and Statistics, Olajumoke Oyenuga, calls for stronger advocacy against contaminated creams and hazardous consumer products.
General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Afolabi Solebo, raises concerns over illegal battery recycling and industrial emissions in Ikorodu, Alaba and Ajegunle.
He says enforcement and public sensitisation campaigns will be intensified to reduce exposure risks.
Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives, Nanlop Ogbureke, explains that the initiative will help Lagos develop an implementation roadmap to eliminate lead in cosmetics and other consumer products.
She warns that even low levels of lead exposure can cause lifelong health complications, especially among children and women.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
