The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has backed efforts to promote a lead-free chemical industry in Nigeria, warning that lead exposure poses serious health risks, particularly to children and other vulnerable groups.
The ministry reaffirmed its support at the 21st Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) workshop, induction and fellowship investiture of the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON), held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Hall, Federal Ministry of Justice Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja.
The event was themed “Towards a Lead-Free Chemical Industry in Nigeria: Advancing Safer Chemistry, Sustainable Alternatives and Regulatory Compliance.”
Start tomorrow informed
Save your place for the morning brief. We’ll start emailing when delivery goes live.
Free. Confirm by email. Unsubscribe anytime.
Director of Chemical Management, S.O. Fatai, who represented the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the theme was timely given the country’s public health and environmental priorities.
“Lead exposure remains a significant public health concern, particularly because of its harmful effects on human health, especially among children and other vulnerable populations,” Fatai said.
He urged ICCON members to provide the technical expertise and leadership needed to promote safer and more sustainable chemical practices.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, also reaffirmed its support for ICCON’s safer-chemistry agenda.
Represented by the Director of Food and Drug Services, Dr Olufowobi-Yusuf Ademola, Kachollom said the institute had contributed to public health, industrial growth and environmental sustainability through professional chemical practice.
She described the institute’s training programmes as opportunities for chemists to update their knowledge, follow emerging trends and maintain professional and ethical standards.
Earlier, ICCON Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Chemist Idongeist Reuben Akwaowo, said the workshop reflected the profession’s commitment to public health protection and responsible chemical practice.
Akwaowo warned that lead exposure remained a serious concern, particularly for children, and called on chemists, researchers, regulators, manufacturers and chemical handlers to promote safer alternatives and comply with established standards.
The ministry pledged continued collaboration with ICCON to strengthen chemicals management and safeguard public health.
The event also featured the induction of new members and the elevation of professionals to fellowship, which the ministry described as recognition of distinguished service and professional conduct.
Discussion0