Nafdac seizes over N800 million pesticides prohibited in south-western incursions

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (Nafdac) has confiscated over 800 million pesticides prohibited in a series of coordinated raids conducted in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and States of Oyo.

This operation, aimed at curbing the illegal distribution of dangerous agrochemicals, led to the seizure of 551 toxic pesticides cartons in over 16 points of sale.

The prohibited substances, including Clorpirifos, Paraquat and Atrazine, were found to contain highly dangerous chemicals that involve serious health risks.

Nafdac warned that these pesticides are not only carcinogenic, but they can also lead to respiratory failure, damage to the liver and kidneys, among other serious health problems.

A declaration of the Agency revealed that the raids, conducted for several days, have targeted shops suspected of committing themselves in the illegal sale of these harmful substances.

The operation involved the seizure of large quantities of chemicals that have already been prohibited or are scheduled for future prohibitions.

Chlorpirifos, for example, will be prohibited from 1 November 2024, while Paraquat has already been banned from 1 January 2024 and the atrazine will be prohibited by 1 January 2025.

The general manager of Nafdac, Mojisola Adeyeye, underlined the serious implications of the continuous use of these prohibited pesticides, not only for public health but also for the agricultural exports of Nigeria.

The presence of these chemicals in the crops produced locally led to the refusal of Nigerian agricultural products in international markets, damaging the country’s commercial reputation.

“These substances are not only a danger to human health, but are also harmful to the position of Nigeria in international trade.

The continuous use of these pesticides threatens our agricultural export markets, with countries rejecting products that contain chemicals in traces “, reads the declaration.

In response to the results, Nafdac has urged the public to be alert and takes care of more in verifying the sources of agrochemical products before purchasing.

The Agency also invited the Nigerians to report any unauthorized sale of chemicals harmful to the closest Nafdac office to help protect both public health and the economy of the nation.

Nafdac has reiterated his commitment to safeguard public health through a rigorous application of regulatory standards, continuing his proactive surveillance of the agrochemical market.

The agency also reminded the public of more secure alternatives to prohibited pesticides, including Flushout, Sharpshooter and Best, which are recommended for use in agriculture.

“Nafdac will continue its monitoring and application efforts to ensure that only safe products reach the market and the public,” concluded the declaration.

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