The Senate at its plenary on Thursday 2nd June, 2016 has called on the Federal Government to take action over the high incidence of lead poisoning in the Shikira Community of Niger State.
Moving the motion titled “Urgent Remediation of Lead Poisoning in Shikira Community of Niger State, Nigeria“ Sen. David Umaru (APC:Niger) informed lawmakers that a lead poisoning outbreak epidemic that occurred in May, 2015 in the Ungwar Magiro and Ungwar Kawo villages of Rafi local government area of Niger State in claimed the lives of 28 children. Sen. Umaru also expressed worry over the results contained in a survey that was published by the Federal Ministry of Health that confirmed 119 children tested positive to lead poisoning. He also stated that some of the environmental tests carried out on residential buildings indicated a severe contamination of lead in the environment. He further highlighted on other dangers of lead poisoning including its long-term neurocognitive effects on children when not curtailed. Sen. Shehu Sani (APC:Kaduna) also attributed lead poisoning to the activities of illegal miners and urged the Senate to take action to stop illegal mining.
The Senate also called on the Federal Government to release funds from the Ecological Funds Office to remedy the effects of lead poisoning in the Shikira community and all other communities affected by lead poisoning.
