Lead Paint Hazards in Nigeria: Public Health and Environmental Impacts

Abstract

Lead-containing paints present an ongoing, severe threat to human and environmental health in Nigeria. This review synthesizes available evidence on the toxicity of lead-based paints for both people and the wider environment, reviews regulatory progress, and identifies research and policy gaps. Lead paint exposures, especially among children, result in irreversible neurological and developmental harms, with wider systemic and cardiovascular consequences for all ages. Studies have consistently found lead content in Nigerian paints far exceeding global safety standards. Environmental impacts include persistent contamination of soils, water, air, and biota. Despite steps by regulatory agencies such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, weak enforcement and incomplete elimination persist. This review utilizes a PRISMA flow diagram to depict the evidence selection and review process, underscores current knowledge gaps, and offers evidence-based recommendations for Nigerian policymakers and stakeholders.