…..Intercepts 67,428 Litres Of Banned Pesticide
…..Alerts Public To Dangers Of Banned Pesticides
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned Nigerians about health risks from banned pesticides, after detecting residues above permitted limits in some bean samples.
Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye raised the alarm at a media briefing in Lagos, saying the agency seized banned agrochemicals worth over N800m in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo in 2025.
She said a separate operation in Kebbi led to interception of 67,428 litres of paraquat and banned atrazine products.
“NAFDAC is not against responsible use of pesticides. We seek to ensure that pesticides sold or used in Nigeria are safe, approved and compliant,” Adeyeye said.
She warned improper use could cause serious health problems, including death.
According to her, a market study found pyrethroid and dimethoate residues above safety limits in beans, raising concerns about using farm chemicals to preserve harvested produce.
She said dimethoate is not approved for preserving beans against weevils, and even approved post-harvest pyrethroids require observing waiting periods before consumption.
Adeyeye said between Sept 2024 and July 2026, 2,974 cartons of paraquat worth N148.7m and 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos worth N17m were seized in the North-West. Four illegal pesticide factories were sealed in Bichi, Kano in July 2026.
She said phase-out for paraquat, chlorpyrifos and atrazine ended Jan 1, 2026, banning their manufacture, import and sale. The 100ml pack of dichlorvos has also been restricted over misuse and suicide concerns.
The agency said it has trained over 2,000 agro-input dealers and expanded enforcement zonal offices from three to six.
“Food safety begins on the farm,” she said, urging farmers to buy from approved dealers and follow label instructions.
Headline Options:
- NAFDAC Finds Unsafe Pesticide Residues In Beans Samples
- NAFDAC Seizes N800m Banned Pesticides, Warns On Beans Preservation
- Banned Pesticides:
