Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders in food safety have reaffirmed their commitment to adopting scientific methods for pesticide regulation to ensure Nigerians consume safe and healthy food.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Prof. Simon Irtwange, an expert in Agricultural Processing and Storage at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, emphasized that their advocacy prioritizes consumer health and food safety, not demarketing products.
“Our goal is to ensure that food in Nigeria delivers health benefits, not harm,” Irtwange stated. “Pesticides must be proven safe before registration, considering their application and environmental impact.”
The event, organized by the Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria (AAPN) with support from Heinrich Böll Stiftung and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), highlighted legislative milestones since the National Fertilizer Quality Control Act of 2019. The recently developed Pesticide Control Bill 2023 aims to address regulatory gaps and unify efforts across agencies for sustainable food safety.
Irtwange also noted the establishment of a Pesticide Technical Committee comprising key regulators, including NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment, and the Federal Consumer Protection Council.
Independent consultant Professor Johnson Ekpere underscored Nigeria’s commitment to international chemical conventions, including the Stockholm Agreement and Rotterdam Convention, but lamented the country’s lack of infrastructure to manage chemical disposal.
Heinrich Böll Stiftung’s Programme Manager, Donald Ikenna Ofoegbu, raised concerns about the health risks faced by over 80% of Nigerian farmers due to improper pesticide use. He urged stricter regulations and the prohibition of unlicensed chemical sales to protect farmers and consumers.
The call for action is expected to drive the implementation of policies that prioritize health, sustainability, and food security in Nigeria.
