Stakeholders across Lagos are demanding tougher rules to fight lead poisoning in the state. They want coordinated action to cut public exposure to dangerous toxins.
A three-day workshop brought together officials from health, environment, consumer protection and water sectors. Resolve to Save Lives organized the event with Lagos State Government support.
The goal was clear: develop strategies to tackle lead contamination in products, water and soil. Officials worked to create an implementation roadmap for the state.
Dr. Nanlop Ogbureke leads Resolve to Save Lives.
She told participants the initiative would help Lagos eliminate lead from cosmetics first.
Lead poisoning poses serious dangers. Children, pregnant women and adults face devastating health effects, she explained.
"We're supporting Lagos to create a plan that removes lead from different sources," Ogbureke said. "We start with cosmetics, then move to other consumer products."
Mining activities, farming practices and industrial waste have spread lead contamination widely. Polluted water sources make the problem worse.
Even low exposure levels cause lasting harm. Children's brain development and heart health can suffer permanent damage, she warned.
Nigeria has already recorded multiple lead poisoning cases across different regions. Governments and stakeholders must act now, Ogbureke stressed.
Her organization will gather national data across states. This data will push for stricter rules and enforceable policies.
"Government must create awareness and enforce regulations," she noted. "Individuals and industries also bear responsibility for preventing lead contamination."
Lagos State's health adviser sees the workshop as proof of commitment. Dr.
Kemi Ogunyemi called it evidence-based intervention at work.
Contaminated products and unsafe factories remain serious threats. So do informal recycling operations and fake cosmetics.
Children and women of childbearing age face the highest risk. Lead poisoning causes developmental delays, preventable diseases and long-term complications.
"Lead poisoning is a major public health and environmental challenge," Ogunyemi said. "Exposure to bad products and unsafe industry practices threatens residents daily."
Resolve to Save Lives launched its prevention programme in May 2025. The launch aimed to strengthen Nigeria's prevention and response systems.
Lagos became a pilot state for the programme. Kano, Kwara and Nasarawa states joined as the other three sites.
Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga leads health planning at Lagos State Ministry of Health.
She participated in developing the state's prevention strategy.
