Lead Poisoning, A Public Health Emergency

The federal government has described lead poisoning as a major public health emergency that threatens the country’s human capital development and the wellbeing of its citizens, especially children.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this in Abuja during the maiden commemoration of the National Lead Poisoning Elimination Day, with the theme “No Safe Level: Act Now to End Lead Exposure.” in Abuja

The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry,

Kachollom Daju, said the event was aimed at renewing national commitment to protect Nigerians from the silent but deadly effects of lead exposure.

He said lead poisoning was far beyond an environmental issue as it causes severe health challenges, including brain and nervous system damage, reduced IQ, behavioural problems in children, hypertension, kidney failure, and reproductive health complications in adults.

“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 warned.

He 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 noted that Nigeria had witnessed devastating lead poisoning incidents in Zamfara (2010), Niger (2015), and Sokoto State in recent years, where 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.

To address the challenge, 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 seeks to strengthen prevention, detection, and response mechanisms across sectors including Health, Environment, Mines and Steel Development, Agriculture, and Water Resources.

He added that in September 2025, the federal government inaugurated the National Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Elimination, 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. The ministry has also treated children with elevated blood lead levels, while conducting sensitisation campaigns and social media drives to promote preventive practices such as handwashing, safe water use, and hygienic dust control.

The minister outlined next steps to include: launching the National Lead Elimination Policy and Strategic Plan, expanding diagnostic networks, strengthening surveillance for children and pregnant women, ensuring access to treatment, enforcing regulations on lead in paints and consumer products, and sustaining public education campaigns.

He reaffirmed the 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.

“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. Protecting our children from lead poisoning is protecting the future of our nation,” Pate said.