The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians about the health risks associated with the misuse of pesticides on agricultural produce. A recent market study found some bean samples contaminated with chemical residues above permitted safety limits. NAFDAC is intensifying its crackdown on banned, unregistered, and falsified agrochemicals to protect consumers from harmful substances.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the warning during a media briefing on pesticide use in agricultural produce at the agency's office in Lagos. She said the agency supported the responsible use of pesticides to protect crops against pests and diseases but would not tolerate the improper application of approved products or the circulation of prohibited agrochemicals.
Adeyeye warned that excessive application of pesticides, failure to follow manufacturers' instructions, and disregard for prescribed waiting periods could expose farmers and consumers to dangerous chemical residues. Some adverse health effects may not manifest immediately but could develop gradually over time. The NAFDAC chief urged farmers and agro-input dealers to use only approved pesticides and adhere to product-label instructions.
The agency expressed concern over findings from a recent market study on beans, which detected pyrethroid and dimethoate residues above permitted safety limits in some samples. Dimethoate was not approved for preserving harvested beans, while pyrethroids could be used for certain post-harvest purposes only under approved conditions. NAFDAC also warned against the continued circulation and use of paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and atrazine.
In 2025, NAFDAC seized banned agrochemicals worth more than ₦800 million in Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states. Enforcement operations in the North-West Zone between September 2024 and July 2026 resulted in the seizure of 2,974 cartons of pesticides containing paraquat, valued at an estimated ₦148.7 million. Another 120 cartons containing chlorpyrifos, worth more than ₦17 million, were also intercepted.
NAFDAC has trained more than 2,000 agro-input dealers on the responsible handling and use of agricultural chemicals. The agency is working to increase its investigation and enforcement zonal offices from three to six. It also provides free interim testing for export products to encourage compliance with applicable safety requirements.
Deputy Director of Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products at NAFDAC, Dr. Idayat Mudshiru, said sustained engagement with farmers, agrochemical dealers, and other stakeholders was essential to promoting safe pesticide use. The agency is working with industry stakeholders, including CropLife, to strengthen public awareness and encourage safe pesticide handling and application practices.
Key points
- NAFDAC warns of toxic pesticide residues in beans
- Agency seizes banned agrochemicals worth ₦800 million
- NAFDAC trains 2,000 agro-input dealers on safe pesticide handling
