Lagos, stakeholders seek stronger policies on lead poisoning prevention
Lagos State Stakeholders Urge Action on Lead Poisoning Risks
LAGOS, Nigeria — Stakeholders in Lagos State are advocating for stronger policies and coordinated efforts to combat the rising threat of lead poisoning and reduce public exposure to toxic substances. This call to action emerged during a three-day workshop organized by Resolve to Save Lives (RSTL) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.
The workshop convened officials from various sectors, including health, environment, consumer protection, and water management, to devise strategies for addressing lead contamination in consumer products, water sources, and general environmental conditions.
Dr. Nanlop Ogbureke, Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives, emphasized the initiative’s goal of assisting Lagos State in developing a comprehensive implementation roadmap aimed at eliminating lead from cosmetics and other consumer goods. She identified lead poisoning as a significant public health issue, particularly affecting children, women of childbearing age, and adults.
“We are collaborating to create a roadmap that will facilitate the removal of lead from various sources, starting with cosmetics and later expanding to other consumer products,” Ogbureke explained. She cited mining activities, agricultural practices, polluted water sources, and industrial waste as major contributors to widespread lead exposure and warned that even low levels can have lasting impacts on health, especially in children.
Numerous cases of lead poisoning have been reported in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced preventive measures and increased public education, Ogbureke stated. The initiative aims to generate national data to advocate for stricter regulations and enforceable policies.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, characterized the workshop as a testament to the state’s commitment to protecting residents through evidence-based interventions. Ogunyemi highlighted the risks posed by contaminated consumer goods and unsafe industrial practices, particularly affecting children and women of reproductive age.
“Lead poisoning is a significant public health and environmental challenge in Nigeria,” Ogunyemi said. She noted that Resolve to Save Lives launched its lead poisoning prevention program in May 2025 to bolster government efforts, with Lagos recognized as one of four pilot states in this initiative.
Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, Director of Health Care Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, remarked that the workshop aimed to adapt the national strategic plan on lead poisoning prevention to regional needs. “By the end of this workshop, Lagos State will have a document for stakeholders to guide effective lead prevention and control,” she stated.
Afolabi Solebo, General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, cautioned that no level of lead exposure is considered safe. He highlighted imported cosmetics, traditional medicines, contaminated food items, industrial emissions, and lead-based paints as significant sources of contamination. He also expressed concern over unregulated battery recycling, electronic waste processing, and illegal smelting activities in areas such as Ikorodu, Alaba, and Ajegunle.
Solebo noted that low public awareness exacerbates the issue, making it difficult for consumers to identify unsafe products or recognize the risks associated with lead exposure. The agency plans to enhance enforcement of product safety standards and boost public awareness campaigns to ensure safer products in Lagos markets.
Adeyemi Afolabi, General Manager of the Lagos State Waste Water Management Office, emphasized the need to prevent lead contamination in the state’s waterways. He described lead infiltration as a significant environmental and economic matter that requires immediate action from government agencies, industries, and local residents.
