Lagos: Every year, billions of naira are allocated to agricultural inputs through government and donor initiatives in Nigeria, with a significant portion dedicated to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. However, many of these products contain Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), which pose significant risks to both human health and the environment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, over 65% of active ingredients in pesticides used in Nigeria are toxic. These chemicals are linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, kidney failure, infertility, birth defects, hormone disruption, and neurological disorders. The impact extends beyond health, as over 70% of Nigeria’s food exports are rejected abroad due to pesticide residues, and an estimated 200,000 Nigerians die annually from food poisoning. Alarmingly, more than 77% of suicides in the country involve pesticide ingestion.
Despite the evident dangers, many HHPs banned in Europe and other regions continue to be available in Nigeria. Weak regulatory frameworks and poor enforcement allow these hazardous chemicals to be sold openly through various platforms such as Jumia, Jiji, Konga, village markets, and constituency programs. They often reach the public through government and donor programs, lacking adequate safety training or checks, making them accessible to children and untrained individuals.
Examples of banned or toxic pesticides still found in Nigeria include Atrazine, Butachlor, and Carbendazim, among others. These chemicals, linked to severe health risks, remain in use due to the lack of effective legislation and enforcement. Safer alternatives, such as biological fungicides and organic herbicides, are available but not widely adopted.
The call to action is clear: halt the distribution of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in farm programs supported by the government and donors. There is an urgent need to legislate a National Pesticide Law aligned with international standards by Q3 2025. Additionally, NAFDAC is urged to update its list of banned pesticides to include new restrictions, expanding biopesticide production, farmer training, and organic agriculture initiatives.
To protect public health, a pesticide surveillance system should be established, and hospitals mandated to report pesticide-related illnesses and deaths. Online platforms like Jumia, Jiji, and Konga must delist banned pesticides, verify sellers, and regulate buyer access to ensure public safety. The public is encouraged to demand biopesticides and organic alternatives to safeguard their families and communities. Sharing information on safer alternatives through social media and educating farmer groups and markets is essential to drive change.