The Senate has mandated the Federal Ministry of Health, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), to deploy emergency medical teams to conduct free toxicology screening, blood-lead management, and treatment for children and adults in Ogijo.
This followed a motion on the urgent need to address widespread lead poisoning in the Ogijo community in Ogun State Senatorial District.
Presenting the motion the sponsors Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru and
Senator Gbenga Daniel, note with grave concern the reported and scientifically verified outbreak of lead poisoning among residents of the Community.
Disturbed that of several volunteers tested—majorly women, children and factory workers were confirmed to have blood-lead levels indicative of poisoning.
He said the out break has poses a severe public health and environmental catastrophe; within the boundary of Ikorodu and Ogun East Senatorial district.
The Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Regulatory Agencies to enforce strict compliance standards for battery recycling and lead-processing operations nationwide.
He however, alarmed that residents have for several years complained of persistent headaches, abdominal pains, loss of memory, seizures, cognitive decline, and developmental delays in children-symptoms strongly associated with chronic lead exposure;
The lawmaker expressed Concern that while some factory operators deny wrongdoing, community exposure remains extreme, accountability weak, and national regulatory frameworks insufficient to prevent recurrence;
Senator Abiru further notes that the Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has shut down seven used lead-acid battery recycling factories and ordered a temporary halt to lead ingot exportation from the industrial cluster pending safety investigations;
Contributing on the debate senator Afolabi Salisu commended the efforts of both Lagos and Ogun State Governments for their swift action in containing the situation and urged the Federal Government to complement their efforts
The Senate Called on the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and regulatory agencies to enforce strict compliance standards for battery recycling and lead-processing operations nationwide.
COV/ Bashir M
