Stakeholders in Lagos State have called for stronger policies and coordinated action to address the growing threat of lead poisoning and reduce public exposure to toxic substances across the state.
The call was made during a three-day stakeholders’ workshop organised by Resolve to Save Lives (RSTL) in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
The workshop brought together officials from the health, environment, consumer protection and water management sectors to develop strategies aimed at tackling lead contamination in consumer products, water sources and the environment.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives, Dr. Nanlop Ogbureke, said the initiative was designed to support Lagos State in creating an implementation roadmap to eliminate lead from cosmetics and other consumer products.
According to her, lead poisoning remains a major public health concern because of its devastating effects on children, women of childbearing age and adults.
“We are working together in supporting Lagos State to develop an implementation plan for a roadmap that will enable the state remove or eliminate lead from different sources. We are starting with lead in cosmetics and later extend to other consumer products,” she said.
Ogbureke explained that lead exposure has become widespread due to contamination from mining activities, agriculture, polluted water sources and industrial waste.
She warned that even low exposure levels can have lifelong consequences, especially for children whose brain development and cardiovascular health could be permanently affected.
According to her, several cases of lead poisoning have already been recorded in different parts of Nigeria, making it necessary for governments and stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures and improve public education.
She added that the project would help generate national data across states to support advocacy for stricter regulations and enforceable policies.
“The government has responsibilities to create awareness and enforce regulations, while individuals and industries also have responsibilities to ensure lead contamination is prevented,” she stated.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, described the workshop as a demonstration of Lagos State’s commitment to protecting residents through evidence-based interventions and stronger policies.
She noted that exposure to contaminated consumer goods, unsafe industrial practices, informal recycling activities and adulterated cosmetics continues to pose serious health risks in Nigeria.
According to Ogunyemi, children and women of reproductive age remain the most vulnerable to lead poisoning, which contributes to developmental disorders, preventable illnesses and long-term health complications.
“Lead poisoning remains a major public health and environmental challenge in Nigeria. Exposure to contaminated consumer products and unsafe industrial activities continues to pose serious risks to residents,” she said.
Ogunyemi recalled that Resolve to Save Lives launched its lead poisoning prevention programme in Nigeria in May 2025 to support government efforts aimed at strengthening national systems for prevention and response.
She disclosed that Lagos is one of four pilot states selected for the programme alongside Kano, Kwara and Nasarawa states.
The Director of Health Care Planning, Research and Statistics at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, said the workshop was organised to domesticate the national strategic plan on lead poisoning prevention in Lagos State.
“At the end of this workshop, Lagos State will have a document that stakeholders can work with to ensure effective lead prevention and control,” she said.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Afolabi Solebo, warned that there is no safe level of lead exposure and identified imported cosmetics, traditional medicines, contaminated food items, industrial emissions, old plumbing systems and lead-based paints as major sources of contamination.
He also raised concerns over unregulated battery recycling operations, electronic waste processing and illegal smelting activities in areas such as Ikorodu, Alaba and Ajegunle.
According to him, poor public awareness continues to worsen the challenge as many consumers cannot identify unsafe products or understand the dangers associated with lead exposure.
Solebo said the agency would intensify enforcement of product safety standards and strengthen public sensitisation campaigns to ensure safer products in Lagos markets.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Waste Water Management Office, Adeyemi Afolabi, also stressed the need to prevent lead contamination in waterways across the state.
He described lead infiltration into waterways as a serious environmental and economic concern requiring urgent intervention from government agencies, industries and residents.
