The Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) has called on the federal government to urgently act on monitoring and controlling the use of chlorpyrifos, an extremely dangerous pesticide that is prohibited in many nations but is still widely used in Nigeria. The pesticide has been connected to serious health issues, including Pollution of the environment and damage to the nervous system. Dr. Leslie Adogame, the executive director of SRADev Nigeria, described chlorpyrifos as a hazardous chemical that was first created for use in chemical warfare before being modified for use as a commercial pesticide.
Dr. Leslie pointed out that despite the pesticide’s known dangers, it is still used in veterinary care, agriculture, and other fields. Significant health concerns from this substance include respiratory problems, neurological difficulties, and environmental harm. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are being urged by the organization to move quickly to increase public awareness campaigns about the risks associated with the pesticide and prohibit it across the country.
Exposure to chlorpyrifos is connected to health issues.
It also encourages cooperation between NGOs, government organizations, and other stakeholders to advance safer farming practices and safeguard the public’s health. The Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) extension staff should be revived in order to disseminate information on organic and Agro-ecological farming practices in Nigeria. According to the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEn), exposure to chlorpyrifos has been connected to Parkinson’s disease, neuronal abnormalities, and other health issues. The ministry has endorsed the initiative and has urged cooperation to combat the dangers posed by pesticides.
Chlorpyrifos exposure can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from minor ones like headaches and teary eyes to serious ones like respiratory impairment, seizures, and even death. Research conducted in Nigeria has revealed the presence of the pesticide residues in vegetables and aquatic life, which may cause long-term health problems for people, including organ damage and abnormalities in metabolism. The most common causes of both acute and chronic pesticide poisoning include work-related exposure in agriculture, chemical-related incidents in industry, and ingestion of contaminated food.
Safer substitutes for pesticides are being promoted.
For these reasons, the National Committee of Chemicals Management (NCCM) has decided to impose a ban on chlorpyrifos which is scheduled to take effect on the 1st of November, 2024. To lessen the hazards connected to this pesticide, SRADev supports Agro-ecological practices and national awareness initiatives. Safer substitutes for Pesticides are being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration alongside various governmental and non-governmental organizations. The ministry is in charge of managing Nigeria’s obligations under numerous international agreements meant to regulate pesticides and dangerous chemicals.
A research conducted by the SRADev, in collaboration with the International Pollutants Elimination Network-funded (IPEN) has revealed the widespread usage and importation of the pesticide in Nigeria. More than 4 million litres and 600 tonnes of chlorpyrifos were imported into Nigeria between January 2017 and April 2022, mostly from India, China and Argentina. 2019 saw the largest import of chlorpyrifos—more than a million litres—ever recorded. Whereas, 854,644 litres were imported in 2021. China has restricted and India has outlawed the use of chlorpyrifos, but both nations still Export the chemical into Nigeria.
Related Article: Pesticides’ use require regulatory framework
Heavy reliance of pesticides in Nigeria agricultural practices have exposed people to highly hazardous pesticides (HHP) over an extended period of time through their jobs, diet, and surroundings. Risks to consumer health, agricultural workers’ health, and Food Safety have grown as a result. A planned strategy to ban and phase out dangerous pesticides, including chlorpyrifos, by January 2025 is being implemented by NAFDAC. Implementation of such endeavour necessitates cooperation with other various agencies and stakeholders to guarantee the availability of safer alternatives and further promote ongoing public awareness.