80 million Nigerian children exposed to Lead poisoning – Federal Government

Friday, October 23, 2026 -  The Federal Government has raised concerns over lead poisoning in Nigeria, estimating that 80 million children are exposed to the toxic substance.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

He warned that children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age were particularly vulnerable, adding that exposure could cause serious health problems without showing immediate symptoms.

“We cannot treat our way out of lead poisoning; we must prevent exposure wherever possible,” he said.

The minister also inaugurated Nigeria's Five-Year Strategic Plan on Lead Poisoning Elimination (2026–2030), aimed at reducing exposure and protecting public health.

He identified contaminated soil, unsafe water pipes, lead-based paints, toys, certain cosmetics, pottery and traditional remedies as possible sources of exposure.

Salako advised Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, regularly clean children's toys and take precautions when handling materials containing lead.

UNICEF consultant Sarah Ango also warned that no level of lead exposure is safe for children, describing the condition as a preventable threat to their health and development