Nigeria, Oct. 22 -- The federal government has launched a five-year strategic plan to eliminate lead poisoning in Nigeria, with a focus on strengthening prevention, surveillance, regulation and coordinated action against exposure.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, announced the plan in Abuja on Wednesday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, themed "From Detection to Prevention".

Lead poisoning occurs when lead, a toxic heavy metal, accumulates in the body over time.

There is no known safe level of lead exposure, and even low levels can harm human health, particularly in children. Exposure can damage the brain and nervous system, impair learning and developme...