The Federal Government has unveiled comprehensive guidelines and capacity-building measures to address escalating threats from chemical exposure, hazardous waste, and pesticide misuse, aimed at both enhancing public health and meeting international environmental standards.

The new guidelines aim to provide a comprehensive framework for the detection, reporting, response, and mitigation of chemical incidents in line with the One Health approach and complement existing systems such as the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), the National Environmental Health Surveillance System, and the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately two million lives and 53 million disability-adjusted life-years were lost in 2019 due to exposures to selected chemicals.

Data from the guidelines showed that about 850,000 people in 12 Nigerian states, including Niger, Osun, and Zamfara, are at risk of mercury poisoning due to artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, said the guidelines were developed in response to increasing risks posed by the improper use, handling, transportation, and disposal of chemicals across the country.

He added that the guidelines are a bold step forward in safeguarding the health of Nigerians amidst rising risks of chemical-related hazards.

The minister lamented that Nigeria scored poorly in the 2023 Joint External Evaluation (JEE), attaining a “limited capacity” rating in detecting and managing chemical events, and prompting the need for a structured surveillance response.

He stated that the document represents the culmination of dedication, collaboration, and our collective resolve to respond effectively to chemical threats.

Whether accidental, intentional, or naturally occurring. Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Daju Kachollom, noted that the document aligns with international best practices and integrates with existing national systems such as the IDSR and SORMAS, enabling early detection and rapid response to chemical incidents.

The minister commended stakeholders involved in developing the guidelines, noting that it will empower public health workers, environmental agencies, first responders, and communities with actionable protocols to mitigate chemical risks.

He said, “This is a roadmap for protecting the health of Nigerians. We are saving lives. Without health, there is no life. The Federal Government is committed to strengthening chemical surveillance systems. This document should not gather dust; let it be the compass that guides us to a safer, smarter, and healthier Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, highlighted the adverse health effects of chemical exposure to human health, ranging from respiratory diseases and cancers to developmental delays, and called for vigilance in protecting environmental and public health.

The minister, represented by the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the ministry, Mrs Omotunde Adeola, described the guidelines as a milestone in safeguarding Nigerians from the harmful effects of hazardous chemicals. He added that the ministry remains committed to strengthening regulatory frameworks and promoting sound chemical management in line with international environmental conventions.

On his part, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by Mr Danlami Aliyu, described the misuse of agricultural chemicals as “deeply troubling,” citing instances of food contamination.

He expressed the ministry’s strong support, noting that the guidelines align with the International Health Regulations and promote food safety and environmental sustainability.

Also, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, who was represented by Mrs Stella Igwilo, emphasised that chemical surveillance cannot succeed without investment in technology, data analytics, and scientific research.

“The guidelines encourage innovation by incorporating laboratory investigation procedures, digital data management, and real-time incident reporting systems that will support evidence-based interventions across sectors,” she stated.

Earlier, Director of the Food and Drug Services Department, Mrs Olubunmi Aribeana, emphasised that chemicals, whether accidental, occupational, or intentional, pose increasing risks to both human health and the environment.

Aribeana explained that the newly launched guidelines provide a structured national framework for the early detection, monitoring, and coordinated response to chemical events.

Aribeana said that the development of the guidelines was the result of years of technical collaboration involving over 20 ministries, departments, agencies, research institutions, and international partners.