The Senate on Thursday declared a state of emergency over a fast-spreading lead poisoning outbreak in Ogijo, a densely populated area bordering Lagos and Ogun states, describing the situation as a full-blown environmental and public health crisis.
The declaration followed a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance raised by Senators Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), who presented scientifically verified reports linking the contamination to used lead-acid battery recycling factories operating in the area for years.
Lawmakers expressed grave concerns that thousands of residents, especially children, are at risk from extreme lead exposure. Symptoms reported include persistent headaches, abdominal pain, memory loss, seizures, and developmental delays in children, all consistent with chronic lead poisoning.
The Senate noted that the Federal Government has already intervened, with the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, ordering the shutdown of seven battery-recycling factories and suspending lead-ingot exports pending safety investigations.
The chamber has now mandated its Committees on Environment and Health to immediately collaborate with federal and state agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment, ensure medical intervention for affected communities, and enforce stricter regulations on hazardous industrial operations in residential areas.
