FG Raises Alarm as 80 Million Nigerian Children Are Exposed to Lead

The Federal Government says an estimated 80 million Nigerian children are exposed to lead, as it launches a five-year plan to tackle contamination from industrial activities, consumer products and other environmental sources.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, announced the measures in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, during the commemoration of the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Speaking on the theme, “From Detection to Prevention,” Salako said exposure could cause lasting harm without producing immediately obvious symptoms, making prevention and early identification essential.

He identified children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age as particularly vulnerable.

Government launches 2026–2030 action plan

Salako inaugurated the Five-Year Strategic Plan on Lead Poisoning Elimination in Nigeria, covering 2026 to 2030. He said a costed three-year roadmap was being developed to translate its priorities into measurable, time-bound interventions.

An Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Prevention and Elimination has also been established to coordinate government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders.

The minister identified stronger environmental monitoring, regulatory enforcement, laboratory services and surveillance as priorities. Monitoring would cover soil, dust, water, industrial emissions and consumer products.

“We cannot treat our way out of lead poisoning; we must prevent exposure wherever possible,” he said.

The emphasis on testing and consumer protection follows other chemical-safety concerns, including NAFDAC’s investigation into the safety and chemical composition of selected sanitary pads.

Battery recycling and contaminated products among concerns

Salako said experiences in Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto and Zamfara demonstrated the need for interventions suited to different sources of exposure.

He cited environmental investigations in Lagos and concerns surrounding battery recycling in Ogijo, Ogun State, as reasons to strengthen environmental and workplace controls.

The minister urged states, particularly those four, to develop prevention and control action plans and involve communities in identifying hazards.

He highlighted potential sources including lead-based paint dust, contaminated soil, unsafe recycling and work practices, and lead-containing water pipes.

Other products requiring attention include lead-glazed pottery, toys, some cosmetics such as traditional eyeliner known as tiro, and certain traditional remedies.

Community participation would complement the public health and environmental sanitation responsibilities of local government administration, particularly in identifying hazards close to homes and workplaces.

Why children face lasting risks

The World Health Organization says there is no known safe blood lead concentration. Exposure can affect children’s brain development and contribute to learning and behavioural difficulties.

The government’s figure is an estimate of exposure, rather than a count of 80 million children individually diagnosed through blood testing.

UNICEF consultant Sarah Ango described childhood lead poisoning as a preventable threat that can remain invisible while damaging health and development.

She said UNICEF was supporting surveillance, laboratory capacity, risk communication and policy implementation, alongside its commitment to ending childhood lead poisoning by 2040.

The organisation’s wider work on protecting vulnerable families includes water, sanitation and hygiene support for 1,500 displaced households in Sokoto and hygiene interventions for displaced people in Kebbi.

Practical steps to reduce exposure

Salako advised families to keep children and pregnant women away from battery recycling, repair, painting and other areas where lead could be released.

He recommended regular handwashing, washing children’s toys and wet-wiping floors and play areas rather than dry sweeping, which can spread contaminated dust.

He also called for protective clothing during work involving lead-containing materials.

Adequate nutrition, particularly sufficient calcium and iron, can help reduce lead absorption. Removing the source of exposure remains essential.

Partners call for sustained prevention

Okeoma Obasi, principal adviser to Resolve to Save Lives, said the organisation had supported surveillance, laboratory testing, evidence generation and public awareness.

She described prevention as the most effective and cost-effective approach to protecting children.

The question of sustained financing for prevention also features in wider health-policy discussions, including CAPPA’s call for dedicated funding and accountability in public health interventions.

This year’s International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week runs from October 18 to 24, with attention focused on identifying hazards and stopping exposure before harm occurs.