At least 80 million children are at risk of lead poisoning in Nigeria

In his speech at the event held for the "2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week" in the capital Abuja, Salako stated that lead poisoning is a serious public health and environmental problem.

Stating that at least 80 million children in Nigeria are at risk of lead poisoning, Salako called for increased measures to prevent environmental and occupational lead exposure.

Stating that the event organized this year with the theme "From Detection to Prevention" is important in accelerating concrete steps to eliminate the sources of lead exposure, Salako emphasized that especially children, women of reproductive age and pregnant women are at risk.

Salako noted that lead can damage many systems of the body, especially the brain, kidneys, blood and nervous system, and that lead can be exposed without obvious symptoms.

Underlining that preventing lead poisoning is more effective than treatment, Salako said, "We cannot fight lead poisoning only through treatment, we must prevent exposure wherever possible." he said.

2040 target from UNICEF

United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) consultant Sarah Ango also described lead poisoning as a preventable but often difficult to detect threat to children's health and development.

Stating that UNICEF aims to end lead poisoning in children by 2040, Ango said that the institution supports the Nigerian government in strengthening surveillance systems and laboratory capacity, improving risk communication and implementing policies.

Okeoma Obasi, chief advisor of Resolve to Save Lives, stated that the organization provides support in the areas of disease and risk monitoring systems, laboratory testing capacity, evidence-based studies and increasing public awareness.

Obasi emphasized that the most effective and cost-effective approach to protecting children from lead poisoning is to prevent lead exposure.