The Nigerian Senate has declared the lead-poisoning crisis in Ogijo a national public health emergency following a motion moved by Senator Tokunbo Abiru.
Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Abiru said the situation posed severe health risks to residents and required immediate national intervention.
“Yesterday at the Nigerian Senate, I moved the motion declaring the lead-poisoning crisis in Ogijo a national public health emergency. No community in our country should be exposed to hazardous industrial practices, and the situation in Ogijo demands urgent national attention,” he stated.
The Senate commended the Federal Government as well as the Lagos and Ogun State Governments for their swift responses and collaborative efforts so far.
It further mandated the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to deploy emergency medical teams to provide free toxicology screening and continuous treatment for affected children and adults. The agency was also instructed to conduct comprehensive contamination mapping and environmental remediation.
Additionally, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was directed to supply emergency relief materials, including food support and clean water interventions, to residents of Ogijo.
Further assessments are expected to determine the extent of contamination and long-term cleanup requirements.
