The Federal Government says it has reviewed and gazetted the National Environmental (Chemicals and Pesticides) Regulations, 2023 to strengthen the legal framework governing production, importation, and use of chemicals including Lead used in paint manufacturing.
Director General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency NESREA, Aliyu Jauro at a regional workshop on the elimination of Lead Paints in Nigeria said exposure to Lead Compound can result in irreversible neurological damage and developmental disorder.
It’s a stakeholders” engagement aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of Leaded Paints, safer alternatives and reformulation methods for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
MUST READ: Breaking: FG announces over 300% hike in electricity tariff
It was an opportunity to present the current status of lead paint Standards in Nigeria and also ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed of the revised National Environmental (Chemicals and Pesticides) Regulations, 2024 before implementation commences.
Lead is a cumulative compound added to paint to accelerate drying, and increase durability but has been found to be highly toxic posing severe health risks for the environment and human health particularly for children and pregnant women.
The workshop was put together by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency in conjunction with the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) in line with international treaties to which Nigeria is signatory.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
