80 million Nigerian children exposed to lead poisoning, FG says

The federal government says an estimated 80 million children in Nigeria are exposed to lead poisoning and has called for stronger measures to tackle the public health and environmental threat, Gazette reports.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, themed “From Detection to Prevention.” He said children, women of childbearing age and pregnant women are especially vulnerable, and that people can be exposed without obvious symptoms.

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

Salako inaugurated the Five-Year Strategic Plan on Lead Poisoning Elimination in Nigeria (2026-2030) and said a costed three-year national roadmap is being developed. An Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Prevention and Elimination has been set up to coordinate efforts. He cited Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto and Zamfara, including lead concerns tied to battery recycling in Ogijo, Ogun, and urged those states to draw up action plans.

He listed priorities including stronger monitoring of soil, dust, water, industrial emissions and consumer products, and better regulation and laboratory capacity.

The minister warned against lead-glazed pottery, toys, cosmetics such as traditional eyeliner (tiro) and some traditional remedies. His advice included wearing protective clothing when handling lead items, handwashing, washing children’s toys and wet-wiping floors instead of dry sweeping. He also urged eating foods rich in calcium, iron and Vitamin C, which reduce lead absorption.

UNICEF consultant Sarah Ango said there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. UNICEF aims to end childhood lead poisoning by 2040.

The week runs from October 18 to 24.