Nigeria's Government Unveils Five-Year Plan to Tackle Lead Poisoning

The Nigerian government has launched a five-year plan to get rid of lead poisoning in the country. This plan aims to improve prevention, monitoring, regulation and coordinated actions against lead exposure.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, announced this plan in Abuja on Wednesday. This was during the observance of the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which has the theme "From Detection to Prevention".

Lead poisoning happens when lead, a harmful heavy metal, builds up in the body over time. There is no safe level of lead exposure. Even small amounts can harm health, especially in children. Lead exposure can hurt the brain and nervous system, affect learning and development, and raise the risk of heart and kidney diseases.

Mr Salako described lead poisoning as a serious public health and environmental issue. He pointed out that children, pregnant women and women who can have children are especially at risk.

Strategy

While sharing strategies, Mr Salako said the government is not just focusing on finding cases. They want to address lead exposure right at the source. He mentioned the creation of the Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Prevention and Elimination. This group aims to boost teamwork among ministries, departments, agencies, and development partners.

Using examples from Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto and Zamfara states, the minister said actions must be tailored to local sources of exposure. "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.

He added that these plans will consider the specific sources of lead exposure in each state, while still fitting into the national framework. He noted that finalising the Lagos State action plan is crucial, as it comes from assessments of blood lead levels and children’s environmental health.

The minister explained that the five-year plan will guide actions across different sectors. This includes monitoring the environment and workplaces, improving laboratory capacity, enforcing stronger regulations, and providing clearer pathways for people with high blood lead levels.

He also mentioned that a three-year national roadmap is being created to turn the strategic plan into real actions.

Prevention

Mr Salako called on state governments, development partners, industries, civil society groups, professional bodies, traditional and religious leaders, and the media to back the plan’s implementation. He urged Nigerians to take preventive steps. This includes avoiding contaminated soil and dust, using lead-safe products, and being careful during battery recycling and painting.

Other recommended measures include keeping work clothes away from home areas, wet-cleaning floors and children’s play areas, and eating diets rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C. Mr Salako said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is dedicated to changing Nigeria’s response to lead poisoning. They want to move from just reacting to a more preventive and sustainable approach.