ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control says it has received an alert from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, warning Nigerians about a neonicotinoid pesticides
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, there is possibility that the European Union and the United Kingdom were exporting the neonicotinoid pesticides, which was banned to Nigeria and other poorer countries.
In a statement on Sunday, the NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the dangers posed by pesticides are of immense concern to the agency.
The NAFDAC DG also cited the report of the study conducted by Heinrich Boll Foundation which claimed that 40 per cent of pesticides used in Nigeria had been banned in the European Union.
Adeyeye explained that emphasis was placed on chlorpyrifos and its variants due to their harmful effects on humans, animals, beneficial insects and the environment.
She said NAFDAC had developed an action plan for the ban/phase-out of 12 active ingredients and the reclassification of four other harmful pesticides in Nigeria.
Also, she added that the availability of alternatives in the country were put into consideration to ensure that stakeholders especially farmers are not affected by the decisions taken.
Adeyeye said paraquat, chlorpyrifos, atrazine pesticides had been banned with effect from 1 January, 2024, 1 November, 2024 and 1 January, 2025 respectively.
She said the toxicity associated with the misuse and abuse of pesticides is worrisome as it affects food safety and food security.
“The toxicity of pesticides is managed through stringent regulatory activities to reduce severe health implications on humans, crops, and the environment. This can be achieved through awareness and continual sensitization of stakeholders,” she added.
She said efforts to address harmful pesticides necessitated the review and analysis of the list of registered pesticide and agrochemical active ingredients in the NAFDAC Registered Product Automated Database vis-à-vis actives banned, non-approved or restricted in the European Union, other countries or by relevant international organizations.