Nigeria presents five-year strategic plan to eliminate lead poisoning

Nigeria presents five-year strategic plan to eliminate lead poisoning

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the five-year strategic plan to eliminate lead poisoning in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen prevention, surveillance, regulation and coordinated action against lead exposure across the country.

The Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced this at the commemoration of the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2026, held on Wednesday, October 21, in Abuja, under the theme “From Detection to Prevention”.

Dr Salako described lead poisoning as a significant challenge to public health and the environment, noting that children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. He emphasized the need to go beyond identifying cases to eliminating or controlling exposure at the source.

The Minister highlighted the establishment and operationalization of the Inter-Agency Working Group on the Prevention and Elimination of Lead Poisoning as a key step towards strengthening collaboration between relevant ministries, departments and agencies, development partners and other stakeholders.

He also cited the experiences of Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto and Zamfara States as evidence of the need for interventions tailored to local sources and exposure pathways.

“At the subnational level, we have identified the development of state-specific action plans for lead prevention and control for Lagos, Ogun, Zamfara and Sokoto states as an important next step. These plans will reflect the specific sources and pathways of exposure within each state, while remaining aligned with the national framework. The finalization of the Lagos State action plan, based on the blood lead level and children’s environmental health assessment already conducted, is particularly important in this regard.”

According to him, the Five-Year Strategic Plan provides a national framework for coordinated, multi-sectoral action, including stronger environmental and occupational surveillance, improved institutional and laboratory capacity, effective regulation and enforcement, and clearer referral pathways for people identified with elevated blood lead levels. A three-year national roadmap is also being developed to translate the Plan’s priorities into measurable interventions with precise deadlines.

Dr Salako called on state governments, development partners, industries, civil society organisations, professional bodies, traditional and religious leaders, communities and the media to support the domestication and implementation of the Plan.

“Communities are key to prevention and our efforts must extend beyond government institutions and extend across society. Traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, professional bodies, researchers, industries, community organizations and the media all have a vital role to play.” Salako appealed.

The minister also urged Nigerians to take practical measures to reduce exposure, including avoiding contaminated soil and dust, using lead-safe products, observing proper protective practices when recycling batteries, painting and other high-risk activities, keeping work clothes and footwear away from living areas, cleaning floors and play areas with water, and maintaining a diet rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C.

Reaffirming the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to the national elimination agenda, Dr Salako called for continued collaboration to translate evidence into policy and policy into action, stressing that prevention must remain at the heart of efforts to protect children, safeguard communities and reduce the health consequences of lead exposure.

“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to providing the necessary leadership and working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria moves decisively from a predominantly reactive response to a comprehensive, preventative and sustainable approach to lead poisoning.” the minister reassured.