FG Unveils National Guidelines for Chemical Surveillance to Tackle Public Health and Environmental Threats

In a significant move to address the growing threats of chemical exposure in Nigeria, the Federal Government on Monday launched the National Guidelines for Chemical Event Surveillance, aimed at improving public health preparedness and environmental protection.

The launch, which took place in Abuja, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and is seen as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to meet global standards in chemical safety and surveillance.

Speaking on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, mni, described the new policy as a “bold step forward” in protecting the health of citizens in the face of increasing chemical-related threats.

“This pivotal document represents the culmination of dedication, collaboration, and our collective resolve to respond effectively to chemical threats, whether accidental, intentional, or naturally occurring,” she said.

Kachollom highlighted Nigeria’s low performance in the 2023 Joint External Evaluation (JEE), which rated the country’s capacity for chemical event detection and response as “limited.” She said the guidelines were developed to close this gap and establish a unified surveillance system. The framework complements existing structures such as the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), the National Environmental Health Surveillance System, and SORMAS.

“This document should not gather dust. Let it be the compass that guides us to a safer, smarter, and healthier Nigeria,” Kachollom urged.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Omotunde Adeola, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the Federal Ministry of Environment, emphasized the rising risks posed by chemical pollution and the urgent need for cross-sectoral collaboration.

“Exposure to harmful chemicals can cause respiratory issues, neurological disorders, reproductive challenges, cancers, and developmental delays in children,” Adeola stated. She noted that the guidelines are in line with international conventions such as the Basel, Stockholm, and Rotterdam Conventions.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Danlami Aliyu decried the unregulated sale and misuse of chemicals in agriculture and public health. He said the guidelines would help enforce safer practices and enhance food safety.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, through Dr. Samuel Anzaku, also threw its weight behind the initiative. He said the new guidelines support the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

“This is a transformative step forward in our nation’s commitment to early detection, reporting, and response to chemical threats,” Anzaku noted.

Earlier, the Director of Food and Drug Services at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Pharm. Olubunmi Aribeana, welcomed stakeholders to what she described as a historic and timely event. She said the new document is not just a technical tool but “a call to action” in the face of silent but deadly chemical threats.

“This document is not just a technical tool, it is a call to action. A necessary step to bridge the gap in chemical surveillance, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and protect our people from the silent threats of chemical exposure,” she said.

Aribeana praised the “unwavering dedication” of technical teams, development partners, and stakeholders who worked on the document, with support from the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Resolve to Save Lives, and the National Committee on Chemical Surveillance and Emergency System.

Stakeholders at the event called for full implementation and continuous review of the guidelines, stressing that chemical safety is a shared responsibility.