The Federal Government of Nigeria has described lead poisoning as a major public health emergency that threatens the country’s human capital development. This is as it added that it is affecting the wellbeing of Nigerians, especially children.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, in Abuja.
The Minister made this disclosure during the maiden commemoration of the National Lead Poisoning Elimination Day, with the theme “No Safe Level: Act Now to End Lead Exposure.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kachollom Daju, the Minister said the event was aimed at renewing national commitment to protecting Nigerians from the silent but deadly effects of lead exposure.
According to him, lead poisoning was far beyond an environmental issue as it causes severe health challenges. Which include brain and nervous system damage, reduced IQ, behavioural problems in children, hypertension, kidney failure, and reproductive health complications in adults.
He said, “Lead poisoning is not merely an environmental issue; it is a serious public health emergency. There is no safe level of lead exposure, and the youngest among us are the most vulnerable.”
Pate referenced data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which shows that one in three children globally, about 850 million, have detectable blood lead levels. WHO also estimates that lead exposure causes about 47,000 deaths in Africa annually and results in economic losses of about $135 billion due to reduced productivity.
The Minister also noted that Nigeria had witnessed devastating lead poisoning incidents in Zamfara (2010), Niger (2015), and Sokoto State in recent years. Wherein, hundreds of children died from unsafe mining and ore processing. He said these tragedies highlight the urgent need for preventive measures and coordinated national action.
Going forward, Pate said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has developed a National Lead Elimination Policy and a Five-Year Strategic Plan in partnership with relevant ministries and development partners. The framework, he said seeks to strengthen prevention, detection, and response mechanisms across sectors including Health, Environment, Mines and Steel Development, Agriculture, and Water Resources.
The Minister added that in September 2025, the Federal Government inaugurated the National Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Elimination. The agency is to enhance surveillance, review regulations, and mobilize sustainable financing to eliminate lead exposure nationwide.
Pate disclosed that with support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), laboratory equipment had been provided to high-risk states to expand blood lead testing capacity.
He noted also that the ministry has treated children with elevated blood lead levels. While conducting sensitization campaigns and social media drives to promote preventive practices such as hand washing, safe water use, and hygienic dust control.
The Minister outlined next steps to include: launching the National Lead Elimination Policy and Strategic Plan, and expanding diagnostic networks. Others are strengthening surveillance for children and pregnant women, and ensuring access to treatment. Enforcing regulations on lead in paints and consumer products, and sustaining public education campaigns.
Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to align national efforts with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) initiatives to eradicate lead poisoning.
He said, “Together, let us act with urgency and unity to create a safer, healthier Nigeria. One, where every child can live, learn, and grow free from the dangers of lead exposure. And protecting our children from lead poisoning is protecting the future of our nation.”