The Senate has launched an investigation into the widespread and scientifically confirmed lead-poisoning crisis affecting residents of Ogijo, a community located along the Lagos–Ogun border.
In response to rising public concern over the situation, the Senate summoned the Ministers of Environment, Health, Solid Minerals, and Labour and Employment, alongside the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), to appear before its Committee on Environment and Solid Minerals for an update.
The Senate also proposed the establishment of a National Lead Poisoning Response and Remediation Office under the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The office would coordinate nationwide clean-up operations, medical treatment for victims, environmental monitoring, and global traceability of exported lead products.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, directed the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure full implementation of all resolutions within six weeks.
Lawmakers revealed that the crisis stemmed from activities of multiple used lead-acid battery recycling factories, which have polluted the environment and triggered a significant public health emergency.
Children, women, and factory workers are reported to be suffering long-term health complications due to prolonged exposure to toxic emissions.
The Senate further called on the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to deploy emergency medical teams to conduct free toxicology screenings, blood-lead testing, and provide chelation therapy and long-term care for affected residents.
Written by Martina Ogbonna