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The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Salako warned that children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age were particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, which can cause serious health complications even when symptoms are not immediately apparent.
“We cannot treat our way out of lead poisoning; we must prevent exposure wherever possible,” he said.
During the event, the minister inaugurated Nigeria’s Five-Year Strategic Plan on Lead Poisoning Elimination, covering 2026 to 2030. The plan is aimed at reducing exposure to lead and protecting public health.
Salako identified contaminated soil, unsafe water pipes, lead-based paints, toys, certain cosmetics, pottery and traditional remedies as potential sources of exposure.
He urged Nigerians to observe proper hygiene, clean children’s toys regularly and take precautions when handling materials that may contain lead.
The minister’s warning comes amid growing concerns about the effects of lead exposure on children’s health and development.
Also speaking at the event, UNICEF consultant Sarah Ango stressed that no level of lead exposure was safe for children, describing lead poisoning as a preventable threat to their health and development.
The Federal Government said the new strategic plan would support efforts to prevent exposure and strengthen measures to protect vulnerable groups across the country.
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