By Oluwakayode Idowu
The Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) has established a poison observation and treatment centre to curb unnecessary deaths in Nigeria.
This Toxicology Information Centre (TIC) is located in Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, to serve as data based and process point for all toxic and hazardous chemical stuff in Nigeria
The centre would also serve as initial place of call for individual and communities who are exposed to toxic and hazardous materials.
At the sensitization seminar to establish the TIC, the DG of RMRDC, Professor Hussaini Doko Ibrahim who was represented by a Director in the Council, Mr. Emmanuel Kwaya maintained that the main objectives of the service are to provide toxicological information about toxicology and continuous systemic collection of data that will assist in curbing the hazards emanating from contact with harmful raw materials.
He said: “This is a landmark event, in that something very important is about to happen. We are trying to set up a Toxicology Information Centre which is absolutely necessary not only to the mining sector but to other sectors.
“We are trying to create awareness and at the same time create a data centre because most centres in the world have centres like this where they get information in respect to ministry activities.”
The Project Lead of the Centre, Prof. Anoka Nja stressed that the Centre became inevitable because many Nigerians had been stripped to toxic chemical substances that lead to numerous casualties.
He assured the that the centre will play an important role in the prevention of toxicity.
He said: “With this Centre, people can know where to run to report when they are in danger. It is going to be an advisory centre to aid people in need of support.
“Nigeria has become exposed to toxicology and poisoning issues.
“They are exposed to various chemicals and when they are exposed they don’t have anywhere to go to. What we have done now is to build up a Centre where they can call in.
“When people are poisoned and ask what to do, they can be directed to this Centre We have trained doctors and Pharmacists in toxicology because people can come to them as trained Professionals to handle such cases of poison. This is what Nigerians have been waiting for.”