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

The motion, sponsored by Senators Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), highlighted verified reports linking the crisis to years of unsafe used-battery recycling and smelting operations. Lawmakers said residents have long suffered severe symptoms — including headaches, abdominal pain, memory loss, seizures, and developmental delays in children — consistent with chronic lead exposure.

The Senate noted that the Federal Government had already shut down seven battery-recycling factories and suspended lead-ingot exportation pending investigations. Despite repeated community protests, the smelters reportedly continued operating and releasing toxic fumes and dust into surrounding homes, markets, and schools.

Citing independent tests commissioned by The Examination and The New York Times, lawmakers revealed that soil and blood samples in the area showed lead levels up to 186 times the global safety limit. They also raised concern that lead processed in Ogijo had entered global supply chains for batteries and automobiles.

The Senate commended early interventions by the Lagos and Ogun State Governments but lamented weak regulation and poor accountability among operators. It stressed the government’s constitutional duty to protect citizens’ health and environment.

After deliberation, the Senate resolved to:

Support ongoing factory closures, export suspensions, and prosecution of violators.

Deploy Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC emergency teams to provide free toxicology tests and treatment, including chelation therapy.

Direct the Ministry of Environment and NESREA to begin full environmental cleanup of soil, water, air, and household dust.

Enforce stricter national standards for battery recycling and lead processing.

Establish a National Lead Poisoning Response and Remediation Task Force under NEMA.

The Senate described the Ogijo disaster as a preventable tragedy and a warning on the dangers of industrial pollution and regulatory failure.