As food-related diseases spread across the country, food experts have asserted that over 50 per cent of registered pesticides are highly hazardous and expose Nigerians to contaminated foods.
The concern was raised during a one-day technical workshop on ‘Pesticide Regulatory and Agrochemicals Accountability’, held in Abuja, and organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, HOMEF and the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
According to an expert in agricultural processing and storage at the Federal University, Makurdi, Prof Simon Irtwange, 80 per cent of rural farmers in Nigeria are unaware of the chemicals they apply to their farms, as food consumers also remain unaware of the chemicals present in their food.
Irtwange also said many farmers cannot read the labels on pesticide products, which are often written in English rather than local languages.
Meanwhile, he emphasized that 50 per cent of registered pesticides are classified as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), accounting for 40 per cent of registered active pesticides in the country, and he added that many of these pesticides are already banned in European countries.
He said: “Over the past decade, the European Union (EU) and Asia have rejected more than 76 per cent of Nigeria’s homegrown food export products for failing to meet required safety standards. These products include beans, sesame seeds, melon seeds, dried fish, dried meat, peanut chips, groundnuts, palm oil, and yams, often due to the presence of dangerous pesticide residues, which have significantly impacted Nigeria’s trade performance on the international stage.
“Many of the HHPs registered and used in Nigeria have been linked to chronic health issues, such as cancer, kidney disease, reproductive complications, endocrine disruptions, hormonal imbalances, skin diseases, organ failure, and environmental destruction.
“On October 24, 2022, NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) banned the hawking of all chemical formulations and mandated the listing of dealers, distributors, marketers, and retailers of agrochemicals.
“However, despite these efforts, pesticides continue to be sold indiscriminately, regardless of their hazard levels. Toxic pesticides are still traded and used freely across the country.
“The trade, use, and exposure to highly hazardous pesticides remain poorly regulated, especially along the pesticide value chain, including usage points, farm stores, warehouses, and institutions requiring fumigation.
“This is why a Farmer’s Bill of Rights, a Consumer’s Bill of Rights, and access to protective equipment are essential for the nation’s economic development.”
Meanwhile, the university don called for increased education and awareness for farmers, labourers, and consumers to ensure they understand the chemicals used in farming and their potential health impacts.
“If you have people responsible for feeding your farms, they need to know what chemicals are being applied and how they could affect their health. They must have the right to oversight and access to protective equipment”, he said.
According to him (Irtwange), this proposed Bill is crucial to ensuring rights to safety, proper monitoring, access to information and data, and compensation for affected individuals.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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