FG Charges Stakeholders In Mining Sector To Focus On Preventive Strategies Against Lead Poisoning

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The Federal Government has charged the multi-sector stakeholders on mining sector to focus on  preventive strategies to avoid risks of further outbreak and reoccurrence of lead poisoning affecting people in mining states.

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open a two day 2nd International Conference on Lead Poisoning, Associated with Artisanal Gold Mining in Nigeria.

Vice president Osinbajo also noted that preventions have not been adequately made in the past years to end the menace adding that no country should pay for its economic prosperity and well being with the lives of its citizens.

Correspondent Linda Ike reports that it was further advised that focus should be centered on the affected states and silence on the pandemic should be avoided

However, Chairman, Senate Committee on health, Senator, Olanrewaju Tejuoso who represented the Senate  President stressed the need for sustainable framework and preventable measures to put in place so as to combat  the lead poison and to also ensure safety of Artisanal Gold mining in Nigeria.

Earlier,  Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development , Abubakar Bwari, lamented the level of havoc lead poisoning has caused the country resulting to lost of children’s lives.

He therefore reiterated the commitment of the Present administration in preventing further contamination of lead poison just as he highlighted efforts made to end the menace which includes enlightenment campaign on safer mining.

Lead poison which began in 2010 had affected children mostly and the symptoms includes vomiting, abdominal pains, headache and seizures.