The Senate has launched a full-scale investigation into the alarming outbreak of lead poisoning devastating Ogijo, a heavily populated community located along the Ogun–Lagos border.
This follows widespread scientific reports confirming toxic contamination linked to multiple used lead-acid battery recycling plants operating in the area.
Consequently, the Senate has summoned the Ministers of Environment, Health, Solid Minerals, and Labour and Employment, as well as the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), to appear before its Committee on Environment and Solid Minerals for an urgent briefing on the unfolding crisis.
According to the Senate, unchecked activities of the factories have escalated into a major public health emergency. Children, women and factory workers are reportedly suffering long-term, life-altering health conditions after years of exposure to hazardous emissions.
To contain the crisis, the Senate approved a series of sweeping emergency measures, including:
Immediate deployment of medical teams by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to conduct free toxicology screenings, blood-lead tests, chelation therapy and long-term treatment for affected residents.
Comprehensive environmental remediation by the Federal Ministry of Environment and NESREA to assess contamination levels in soil, groundwater, air and household dust.
Establishment of a National Lead Poisoning Response and Remediation Office within the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to coordinate cleanup operations, medical intervention, monitoring and global traceability of exported lead.
The Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance has been mandated to ensure full implementation of the resolutions within six weeks.
Contamination Levels 186 Times Higher than Than Safety Limits
The resolutions followed a joint motion sponsored by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), who warned that Ogijo is now facing “an environmental catastrophe of global significance.” Scientific assessments show contamination levels as high as 186 times above internationally accepted safety standards.
Presenting the motion, Senator Abiru expressed deep concern over the years-long health complaints reported by residents, including persistent headaches, abdominal pain, seizures, memory loss and cognitive decline — symptoms strongly associated with prolonged lead exposure.
After extensive debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the execution of the resolutions and report back to the chamber within two months.
