NAFDAC Seizes N800m Banned Pesticides, Warns of Food Safety Risks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has raised concerns over the circulation of prohibited pesticides in Nigeria, warning that the illegal trade could expose consumers to dangerous chemicals through contaminated food and threaten the environment.

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The agency said it was strengthening monitoring at the country’s borders and intensifying crackdowns on unauthorised dealers to prevent banned agricultural chemicals from finding their way into local markets.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC revealed that enforcement teams recovered prohibited agrochemicals worth more than N800m from Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states in 2025.

The agency also disclosed that its operations across the North-West between September 2024 and July 2026 yielded 2,974 cartons of paraquat-based pesticides valued at approximately N148.7m.

Another 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos-based products, estimated to be worth over N17m, were also seized.

In a separate operation in Kebbi State, officials intercepted 5,619 cartons of paraquat-based pesticides and 500 cartons of atrazine-based chemicals. 

NAFDAC further reported the closure of four illegal agrochemical production facilities in Bichi, Kano State.

According to the agency, the restrictions on the chemicals followed scientific evaluations and consultations with stakeholders.

The prohibitions on paraquat, chlorpyrifos and atrazine took effect on January 1, 2024, November 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, respectively, with the final phase-out period ending on January 1, 2026.

NAFDAC also outlawed the importation, manufacture and sale of 100ml packs of dichlorvos, popularly known as DDVP, in open markets and supermarkets because of concerns over its misuse on crops meant for human consumption.

The agency warned that pesticides could remain dangerous even when legally approved if farmers ignored application guidelines, used them on crops for which they were not authorised or harvested produce before the recommended waiting period had elapsed.

It urged farmers to obtain agrochemicals from licensed distributors, comply with product instructions and ensure proper disposal of used containers. NAFDAC added that it had trained more than 2,000 agro-input dealers to promote the sale and responsible use of genuine products, while pledging continued collaboration with security agencies to track down and prosecute those involved in the illegal trade.