The Senate on Thursday raised the alarm over a fast spreading lead poisoning crisis in Ogijo, a densely populated border community between Ikorodu in Lagos State and Ogun East Senatorial District, describing the situation as a full blown environmental and public health emergency.
The motion was jointly sponsored by Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East and Senator Gbenga Daniel representing Ogun East under Matters of Urgent Public Importance in line with Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as amended.
Lawmakers cited scientifically verified reports of extreme lead contamination linked to clusters of used lead acid battery recycling factories that had operated in the area for years. They said residents were suffering persistent headaches, abdominal pain, memory loss, seizures and developmental delays in children, which are symptoms associated with chronic lead exposure.
The Senate noted that the Federal Government had commenced enforcement actions, with the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, shutting down seven offending factories and ordering a temporary suspension of lead ingot exportation pending safety investigations.
It also referenced disturbing independent tests commissioned by international media organisations which revealed severe contamination of residents blood samples and surrounding soil. Some samples reportedly recorded lead levels as high as 186 times above global safety limits.
Lawmakers expressed concern that despite years of community protests, the smelting plants continued to operate openly, discharging toxic fumes and dust into homes, markets and playgrounds.
The Senate praised the Lagos and Ogun State Governments for their early inspections, community sensitisation and collaboration with federal agencies to contain the crisis.
Citing Sections 14(2)(b) and 20 of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate reaffirmed the duty of government to safeguard lives and ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to mandate the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to deploy emergency medical teams to Ogijo for free toxicology screening, blood lead management and treatment for affected residents.
The Federal Ministry of Environment and NESREA were also directed to commence full environmental remediation of contaminated soil, water and air.
In addition, the Senate ordered the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and other regulators to enforce strict compliance across all lead processing and battery recycling facilities nationwide and recommended the establishment of a National Lead Poisoning Response and Remediation Task Force under NEMA.
The Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance was directed to monitor implementation and report back within six weeks.
