Senators Demand Urgent Intervention Over Toxic Lead Exposure in Lagos

The Nigerian Senate has expressed deep concern over a severe lead-poisoning outbreak in Ogijo, a densely populated community straddling Ikorodu (Lagos) and Ogun East Senatorial Districts.

The crisis, linked to long-standing used lead-acid battery recycling operations, poses a major environmental and public health threat affecting thousands of residents.

The motion, jointly sponsored by Senators Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru and Gbenga Daniel, highlighted chronic health impacts including headaches, abdominal pain, memory loss, seizures, and developmental delays in children symptoms consistent with lead exposure.

Independent testing revealed dangerously high contamination levels, with some soil samples measuring up to 186 times the global safety threshold.

The Senate commended emergency measures by Lagos and Ogun state authorities, including the closure of seven battery-recycling factories and a temporary suspension of lead-ingot exports, but emphasized the need for continued enforcement and accountability.

Lawmakers mandated the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to deploy medical teams for toxicology screening, chelation therapy, and ongoing treatment for affected residents.

The Federal Ministry of Environment and NESREA were instructed to conduct comprehensive environmental remediation, while the Ministry of Solid Minerals and regulatory agencies were tasked with strict enforcement of industrial safety standards nationwide.

The Senate further recommended the establishment of a National Lead Poisoning Response and Remediation Task Force within NEMA, with the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor progress and report within six weeks.

Senators described the Ogijo crisis as a preventable tragedy, underscoring the urgent need to protect vulnerable communities from industrial pollution and regulatory lapses.