𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬

The Senate has raised serious alarm over a rapidly escalating lead-poisoning crisis in Ogijo, a densely populated community on the Lagos–Ogun boundary, describing it as a full-scale environmental and public-health emergency threatening thousands.

The motion, jointly sponsored by Senators Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), was moved under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, citing scientifically verified reports of severe lead contamination traced to long-running used lead-acid battery recycling activities in the area.

According to lawmakers, residents have been exposed to chronic lead poisoning, with symptoms including persistent headaches, abdominal pain, memory loss, seizures, cognitive decline, and developmental delays in children.

The Senate noted that the Federal Government had already begun enforcement actions. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, recently shut down seven battery-recycling factories and imposed a temporary suspension on lead-ingot exportation pending comprehensive safety investigations.

Senators expressed deep worry that community complaints had been ignored for years despite the long-term health dangers associated with unregulated industrial activities in Ogijo.