The Nigerian Government has launched a five-year strategic plan to prevent and eliminate lead poisoning, amid concerns that an estimated 80 million children are exposed to the toxic substance.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week themed, “From Detection to Prevention: Acting Together to End Lead Exposure in Nigeria.”
Salako said the strategic plan would provide a national framework for coordinated action to strengthen surveillance, tackle environmental and occupational sources of lead exposure, improve regulatory enforcement and ensure accountability across relevant sectors.
“Lead poisoning remains a major public health and environmental challenge, particularly for children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age, as exposure can cause serious and lasting health consequences, even without obvious symptoms,” he said.
The minister stressed the need for Nigeria to move beyond detecting lead exposure to preventing it at source through stronger environmental monitoring, improved product safety, occupational protection and effective enforcement of existing standards.
He cited experiences in Lagos and Ogun states as evidence of the need for locally tailored interventions, including environmental investigations, safer industrial and recycling practices, and sustained regulatory monitoring.
According to him, the government has established an Interagency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Prevention and Elimination to coordinate efforts among ministries, departments and agencies, development partners and other stakeholders.
Salako called on state governments, industries, civil society organisations and communities to support the implementation of the five-year plan.
He added that state-specific prevention and control action plans were being prioritised for Lagos, Borno, Zamfara and Sokoto states to address lead exposure according to local needs.
The minister also urged Nigerians to minimise exposure by avoiding lead-based paints, contaminated soil, unsafe water pipes, lead-containing toys and cosmetics, as well as certain traditional eyeliners and remedies.
He advised workers who handle lead-containing materials to wear protective clothing and ensure that work clothes and shoes are kept outside their homes to prevent contamination.
“We encourage regular hand washing, wet cleaning of floors and play areas, and the consumption of foods rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C,” he said.
Salako reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with stakeholders to translate the five-year strategic plan into practical interventions that protect children, safeguard communities and prevent avoidable lead exposure across the country.
