A recent study carried out by the Heinrich Boll Foundation disclosed that above the overall importation of Southern Africa and North Africa — 87,403 tonnes and 109,561 tonnes respectively — the annual importation of pesticides in Nigeria is at 147,446 tonnes. Despite increasing imports, recording usage of these pesticides has proven to be an herculean task due to the informal agricultural production practiced in the country. Surveys have proved that about 80 percent of the pesticides frequently used by small-scale farmers are highly hazardous.
Majority of these highly hazardous pesticides existing in Nigeria have been prohibited in the European Union. The report cited the illegality of purchasing, selling, importing, transiting, transporting, depositing and storing banned and obsolete chemicals in the Nigerian territory or water. The banned pesticides are mostly used in production of agricultural commodities like yam, fruits, bean, cassava, maize, cocoa and others. However, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are working relentlessly to eradicate banned pesticides.
Pesticides are harmful to humans & the environment.
Director General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the agency is about to ban another 12 pesticides and agrochemical active ingredients in Nigeria. Therefore, she urges stakeholders and the general public to cooperate with the agency to ensure total riddance of hazardous chemicals in the country. She stated that application of pesticides are conducted both indoors and outdoors to manage pests, vector-borne diseases and protect crops. Some of these chemicals are infused in textile, carpets, paints and treated wood for control of pest and fungi.
The NAFDAC boss showed concerns about the toxicity that accompanies misuse and abuse of the pest control chemicals, stating how it affects food safety and security in the country. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also recently alerted NAFDAC on the likelihood that the European Union and the United Kingdom export banned neonicotinoid pesticides to Nigeria and other low-income countries. More emphasis was laid on chlorpyrifos and its variants as they are more harmful to humans, beneficial insects, animals and the environment.
Post-marketing surveillance & education will increase in the country.
Rising increase in usage of European-banned pesticides in the country has prompted the review and analysis of the list of registered pesticides and agrochemical active ingredients in the agency’s registered product automated database and non-approved and banned ones. This act, according to Adeyeye, is done to protect the health of the nation. Meeting held by stakeholders, NGOs agreed on advising importers and manufacturers of pesticides and agrochemical to practice stewardship plans like post-marketing surveillance and research on their manufacturing companies.
Adeyeye of NAFDAC assured that there would be a collaboration between the agency and research institutes for conduction of research and generation of scientific data on pesticides to enhance decisions and policies based in evidence. Post-marketing surveillance, sensitization and education of stakeholders will be intensified across the nation on appropriate use of pesticides. The collaboration will be between NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency, the Standards Organization of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service.
Usage of these chemicals are frequently done irresponsibly.
According to a report by the ICIR titled “Death in small doses: How food vendors, fruit sellers, farmers poison Nigerians with agrochemicals”, fruit, fish, meat sellers and farmers use these chemicals irresponsibly for ripening and preservation of goods. Findings of this report also revealed that although usage of these chemicals is allowed for food storage at permissible levels for avoidance of post-harvest losses, majority of those who conduct administration of these chemicals lack proper training. NAFDAC is therefore urged to strengthen enforcement of its regulations to phase out banned chemicals.
Related Link
UNEP: Website
NAFDAC to phase out hazardous pesticides. – 80% of frequently used agrochemical have highly harmful effects. – Express your point of view.
NAFDAC is really doing well and fighting against drugs. This their fight against phasing out pesticides is good for Agricultural sector. It will help stop the dangerous ones from being used in planting of crops.
The phase-out of hazardous pesticides by NAFDAC is a welcome development in Nigeria. It shows the government’s commitment to promoting food safety and protecting the health of Nigerian citizens and the environment.
NAFDAC to phase out hazardous pesticides. Nice one, selling harmful things to put the people Life to danger is very bad. Those people selling fake things don’t care about people Life, all they are after is money
Importation of these highly hazardous pesticides should be banned by the government to help secure of food production value. NAFDAC should continue on this good work to create a more secure ecosystem.
NAFDAC need to phase out hazardous pesticides those one that is harmful for plant so they cannot be cause bad health for the people in food we eat
The total phasing out of hazardous pesticides from Nigeria by NAFDAC is better. It will reduce our exposure to harmful agrochemical through the food we eat.
hazardous pesticides need to be stop from been using on plant it can cause serious health issue to the people this are food we consume a good pesticides should be used not those that are harmful
Harmful and hazardous agrochemical that found their way through the farm product and into our food should be phase out by NAFDAC to safe lives.
NAFDAC is doing a great work. hazardous pesticides. hazardous pesticides should be phased out, many people are passing through a lot due to harmful product that is affecting health