Nigeria to collaborate with UNICEF, USAID, to combat lead poisoning
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has announced Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with UNICEF and USAID in the global fight against lead poisoning, in a bid to safeguard the health of its vulnerable citizens.
The revelation was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the Lead-Free Future event organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), held on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly.
Dr. Alake, while reviewing the exhibition on lead poisoning at the event, pledged Nigeria’s support to procure additional equipment for detecting lead in affected communities.
He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of lead exposure, particularly in gold mining and other mineral extraction activities.
According to the minister, cleaning up lead-contaminated areas will play a crucial role in improving child and maternal health across the country.
The Minister also stressed that reducing lead in mining processes should be integrated into the Ministry’s local value addition initiatives aimed at promoting safer mining practices.
In welcoming Dr. Alake to the exhibition, Dr. Casey Bartrem, USAID’s representative, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s commitment to tackling lead poisoning.
She showcased rock samples collected from Zamfara State, a region in Nigeria heavily affected by lead contamination, following a clean-up campaign.
Dr. Bartrem also affirmed USAID’s interest in partnering with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to mitigate lead exposure during mineral extraction and processing.
