Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has warned that an estimated 80 million Nigerian children are exposed to lead poisoning, unveiling a five-year strategic plan to eliminate the toxic threat and strengthen environmental and workplace safety controls.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, issued the warning on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, themed “From Detection to Prevention”. Salako said lead exposure can cause lasting damage to human health, particularly among children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age.
He warned that exposure may occur without obvious symptoms, making prevention, early detection and timely intervention essential. “It is a toxic substance capable of affecting multiple body systems, with children, women of childbearing age and pregnant women being particularly vulnerable,” he said.
Investigations in Lagos and concerns about lead exposure linked to battery recycling in Ogijo, Ogun State, have highlighted the need for stronger environmental monitoring and workplace safety measures. “We cannot treat our way out of lead poisoning; we must prevent exposure wherever possible,” Salako said.
The strategic plan prioritises monitoring of soil, dust, water, industrial emissions and consumer products. It also seeks to strengthen regulation, enforcement and laboratory capacity. Salako urged state governments, particularly those in Lagos, Ogun, Zamfara and Sokoto, to develop lead prevention and control plans.
The minister warned that people could encounter lead through contaminated soil, lead-based paint dust, unsafe workplace practices and water pipes. Other potential sources include lead-glazed pottery, toys, some cosmetics, traditional eyeliners known as tiro, and certain traditional remedies.
Salako also advised families to keep children and pregnant women away from places where lead may be released, including battery recycling, repair and painting sites. He said diets containing calcium, iron and vitamin C could help reduce lead absorption.
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