The Federal Government has estimated that 80 million Nigerian children are exposed to lead poisoning, warning of its serious effects on public health and child development.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, themed “From Detection to Prevention.”

Salako said children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age were particularly vulnerable.

“Exposure can have serious and lasting consequences, while individuals may be exposed without immediate obvious symptoms,” he said.

“We cannot treat our way out of lead p%isoning; we must prevent exposure wherever possible,” he added.

The minister inaugurated the Five-Year Strategic Plan on Lead Poisoning Elimination in Nigeria (2026–2030), saying a three-year national roadmap was being developed to implement its priorities.

He cited concerns about battery recycling in Ogijo, Ogun State, and environmental investigations in Lagos as reasons for stronger environmental and occupational controls.

Salako warned against exposure through contaminated soil, unsafe water pipes, lead-based paint, toys, cosmetics such as traditional eyeliners (tiro), lead-glazed pottery and some traditional remedies.

He advised Nigerians to wash their hands, clean children’s toys, wet-wipe floors instead of dry sweeping and wear protective clothing when handling lead-containing materials.

Meanwhile, UNICEF consultant Sarah Ango described lead poisoning as a preventable but often invisible threat to children’s health and development.

She said UNICEF was committed to ending childhood lead poisoning by 2040, stressing that “there was no safe level of lead exposure for children.”

The International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed from October 18 to 24, aims to raise awareness and promote measures to eliminate lead exposure.

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