Accra:The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians, especially farmers, about the dangers of using banned pesticides on food products, emphasizing the importance of public health.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye highlighted that while pesticides are vital for agriculture, their usage must adhere to safety guidelines and approved instructions. The agency’s commitment to pesticide control stems from the need to ensure that these substances, essential for crop protection and agricultural productivity, do not pose risks to human health or the environment.
Adeyeye noted that improper or illegal use of pesticides can lead to significant health and environmental risks. NAFDAC’s 2022 review of registered pesticide active ingredients considered various factors, including scientific evidence and national regulations, leading to the phase-out of certain pesticides by January 1, 2026. Despite the ban, enforcement operations continue to uncover banned products in circulation.
NAFDAC has restricted the 100-millilitre pack size of Dichlorvos (DDVP) due to misuse concerns, while other sizes remain regulated. Recent enforcement efforts resulted in the seizure of banned agrochemicals worth over N800 million across several states and significant quantities of illegal pesticides, including paraquat and chlorpyrifos, in the North-West Zone and Kebbi.
In July, NAFDAC sealed four unauthorized manufacturing facilities in Kano State and is strengthening collaborations with government institutions for better enforcement and prosecution of violators. The agency has also trained over 2,000 agro-input dealers to identify genuine products and avoid counterfeits.
NAFDAC is expanding its Investigation and Enforcement Zonal Offices to cover all geopolitical zones, urging compliance with regulations and promoting responsible pesticide use to safeguard public health and agriculture.