The President of the Paediatricians Association of Nigeria (PAN), Dr. Ekanem Ekure, has criticised the 4.3 per cent allocation to the health sector in the 2026 national budget, describing it as a clear indication of inadequate commitment to the welfare and future of Nigerian children.
Dr. Ekure said the low allocation falls short of what is required to address the growing health challenges facing children across the country, including malnutrition, preventable diseases and exposure to environmental hazards.
She warned that continued underfunding of the health sector would worsen child mortality indices and undermine national development.
Speaking on the recent lead poisoning crisis in Ogijo, Ogun State, which has been linked to recycled battery factories, the PAN president expressed deep concern over the impact of the incident on children, who make up the majority of those affected.
According to her, lead exposure in children can result in long-term neurological damage, learning difficulties and other irreversible health complications if not urgently and adequately addressed.
Dr. Ekure called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure comprehensive remediation of the affected communities, alongside sustained medical intervention for victims of the poisoning.
She stressed that beyond emergency response, the incident should serve as a wake-up call for stronger regulatory enforcement, stricter environmental monitoring and coordinated national action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“The health and safety of children must not be compromised by weak regulation or poor investment,” she said, adding that protecting children from avoidable health risks is fundamental to securing the nation’s future.
Dr. Ekure urged policymakers to prioritise child-centred health financing and environmental protection, noting that meaningful investment in child health remains one of the most critical measures for sustainable national growth.
