Olushola Omogbehin
Nigerian Senate has expressed great concern on a growing lead-poisoning crisis in Ogijo, a community on the border of Ikorodu (Lagos) and Ogun state.
The lawmakers who described the crisis as a public health emergency, took immediate steps to save thousands of lives.
A motion co-sponsored by Senators Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), revealed that years of operations by used lead-acid battery recycling factories in Ogijo have led to great levels of lead contamination.
In the reports, residents are suffering from severe health issues such as headaches, memory loss, seizures, and developmental delays in children, which are symptoms linked to chronic lead exposure.
According to the Senate, the Federal Government has started some interventions, including the closure of seven battery-recycling facilities by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha but criticized the continued operation of smelters, which release toxic emissions into residential areas, in spite of community complaints.
Praising the measures taken by both Lagos and Ogun in raising awareness among residents. Senate expressed concerns over the increased in lead production in Ogijo but with minimal accountability by manufacturers.
Senate decided to support further enforcement actions by shutting down non-compliant factories and deploying urgent medical teams for toxicology screenings and treatment of affected individuals.
