The Federal Government says it is intensifying efforts to eliminate lead exposure and phase out lead-based paints in Nigeria by 2030.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Salihu Usman, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Usman, represented by Omotunde Adeola, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the ministry, described lead poisoning as a preventable environmental and public health problem, warning that there was no known safe level of lead exposure.
He said children, pregnant women and workers exposed to lead through their occupations faced significant health risks.
Usman called for coordinated action by government agencies, industries, health professionals and civil society organisations to strengthen environmental monitoring, enforce product standards, promote safer alternatives and raise public awareness.
He also highlighted the National Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Elimination and a proposed five-year strategic plan, urging stakeholders to measure progress through reduced exposure, the removal of unsafe products and the remediation of contaminated sites.
Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environment Development (SRADeV), called for stronger laboratory testing, environmental monitoring and enforcement of standards, citing studies on lead-based paints and used lead-acid battery recycling.
Adeola, represented by Idris Abdullahi, Director of the National Ozone Office, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the 2030 target.
She urged manufacturers, importers, retailers, regulators and communities to comply with product standards, improve surveillance and adopt safer waste-management practices.
