Nigeria Shifts To Prevention In Five-year Lead Poisoning Strategy
Dr. Nafisat Makinɗe, Abuja
The Federal Government has launched a five-year strategy to combat lead poisoning in Nigeria, with plans to strengthen surveillance, improve laboratory capacity, enforce regulations and coordinate efforts to prevent exposure.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the plan on Wednesday, October 21, during the commemoration of the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Abuja, according to a press statement signed by Ado Bako, the ministry’s assistant director of information and public relations. The event was held under the theme “From Detection to Prevention.”
Salako described lead poisoning as a public health and environmental concern, particularly for children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age. He said Nigeria needed to move beyond detecting cases to controlling exposure at its source. The strategy provides a framework for stronger environmental and occupational surveillance, improved laboratory and institutional capacity, more effective regulatory enforcement and clearer referral pathways for people with elevated blood lead levels. A costed three-year roadmap is being developed to translate the strategy’s priorities into specific actions with defined timelines.
Salako also cited the establishment and operationalisation of the Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Prevention and Elimination as a step towards improving coordination among government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders. He said state-specific prevention and control plans were planned for Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto and Zamfara, taking into account local sources and pathways of exposure. The proposed Lagos plan would draw on an assessment of blood lead levels and children’s environmental health already conducted in the state. “At the subnational level, we have identified the development of state-specific lead prevention and control action plans for Lagos, Ogun, Zamfara and Sokoto States as an important next step,” he said.
Lead exposure can occur through contaminated soil, dust, food and water, as well as mining, metal processing and battery recycling. Certain paints, toys, cosmetics and traditional remedies may also contain lead. Exposure can damage children’s developing brains and affect learning and behaviour, while prolonged exposure in adults can contribute to kidney damage and cardiovascular problems. Preventing harm requires controlling contamination at its source and reducing contact with lead-containing materials.
Salako urged state governments, industries, development partners, civil society organisations, professional bodies, researchers, traditional and religious leaders, community groups and the media to support implementation of the strategy. “Communities are central to prevention and our efforts must extend beyond government institutions to all of society,” he said.
He advised Nigerians to avoid contaminated soil and dust, use lead-safe products, take precautions during battery recycling and painting, keep work clothes and footwear away from living areas, wet-clean floors and children’s play spaces, and maintain diets rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C.