Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), the governments of United States of America and Nigeria have agreed to collaborate on eradicating lead poisoning in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja, United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria’s Public Affairs department said the two countries plan to intensify supervision, regulation, and implementation of standards related to consumer goods and paints in Nigeria.
“USAID is committed to leading the Government of Nigeria’s mitigation efforts to save Nigerian children from further risk of lead exposure,” said USAID/Nigeria Mission Director, Melissa A. Jones in a meeting with SON Director General Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke.
USAID will provide technical assistance to SON to enlighten the populace about the safe use of products that contain lead, support Nigeria in joining the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Lead Paint Alliance), and aid SON in bringing into effect a legislation to identify lead-containing products and its manufacturers.
SON will oversee engagement alongside other federal agencies working on lead removal in high-risk communities.
The collaboration entails SON participating in the United States and Nigeria Bi-National Commission meeting, contributing to technical discussions on policy framework, regulation, and sensitization on lead mitigation in Nigeria slated for April 2024.
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