The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has expressed concern over Nigerians' lack of understanding about food safety regulation. In an interview with BusinessDay TV, Adeyeye described Nigerians as "very ignorant" and stated that many people do not comprehend the roles of agencies responsible for food safety and pesticide regulation. This lack of awareness, she believes, contributes to the misuse of pesticides and the presence of substandard products in the market.
Adeyeye explained that food safety regulation involves multiple government agencies working together "from farm to fork". She clarified that NAFDAC's mandate covers processed and semi-processed foods, but not fresh produce sold directly in markets. According to her, the agency responsible for regulating fresh produce is the Ministry of Agriculture. NAFDAC's role, however, includes approving, regulating, and controlling pesticides used in agriculture.
The NAFDAC boss noted that her agency works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to train farmers on the safe use of pesticides. This includes educating them on when to apply pesticides and when to harvest crops after treatment. Adeyeye emphasized that inadequate understanding of pesticide instructions can lead to their misuse, which can have serious consequences for food safety. She cited the high rate of illiteracy in Nigeria, about 56 percent, as a factor contributing to this problem.
Adeyeye also highlighted the challenges faced by NAFDAC in reaching all farmers in the country. Given the large number of farmers, she acknowledged that NAFDAC cannot independently educate them on the use of pesticides. Instead, she emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture has the primary responsibility for training farmers on safe agricultural practices. NAFDAC, however, has a role to play in assisting with this education due to its regulatory oversight of pesticides.
The NAFDAC DG stressed that many Nigerians are unaware of the limits of NAFDAC's responsibilities. This lack of awareness, she believes, can lead to misconceptions about the agency's role in ensuring food safety. Adeyeye has consistently defended NAFDAC's regulatory and enforcement activities, which have included seizures and other enforcement operations against products deemed unsafe or unfit for consumption.
Food safety remains a significant concern in Nigeria, with ongoing issues related to the misuse of agricultural chemicals and the presence of substandard or unsafe products in the market. Adeyeye's comments underscore the need for greater awareness and education about food safety regulation and the roles of various government agencies involved. The NAFDAC boss emphasized that responsibility for food safety cuts across different stages of the food chain, with multiple agencies having specific regulatory roles.
The issue of food safety is complex and multifaceted, requiring a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including government agencies, farmers, and consumers. Adeyeye's call for greater awareness and education about food safety regulation is a step in the right direction. By working together, it is possible to improve food safety in Nigeria and reduce the risks associated with the misuse of pesticides and the presence of substandard products in the market.
Key points
- Nigerians are largely ignorant about food safety regulation.
- NAFDAC's mandate covers processed and semi-processed foods, but not fresh produce.
- The agency works with the Ministry of Agriculture to train farmers on safe pesticide use.
