The House of Representatives has begun moves to ban the use and importation of highly hazardous pesticides linked to rising cases of poisoning, environmental damage, and food contamination across the country.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved on Tuesday by Hon. Clement Jimbo, who raised concerns over the continued use of dangerous chemical substances in Nigeria’s agricultural sector despite global warnings about their risks.
Presenting the motion titled “Stoppage and Mitigation of Risks Associated with the Use of Hazardous Pesticides Across Nigeria,” Jimbo said several of the pesticides currently in circulation contain active ingredients classified as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
According to him, many of these chemicals, including Dichlorvos (commonly known as Sniper), have been banned in several countries due to their severe effects on human health, livestock, and the environment.
He cited reports indicating that more than 50 per cent of pesticides registered for use in Nigeria fall under the highly hazardous category, warning that continued exposure could lead to chronic illnesses, acute poisoning, and death.
Jimbo also recalled incidents of pesticide-related fatalities in parts of the country, including the 2020 tragedy in Benue State, where contaminated substances reportedly caused the deaths of over 200 people.
He lamented that despite these dangers, the importation and sale of such chemicals continue unchecked, exposing farmers, consumers, and water bodies to toxic contamination.
Supporting the motion, several lawmakers called for a nationwide audit of all pesticides in circulation and stronger regulatory oversight by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
They urged the federal government to immediately phase out hazardous pesticides and promote the use of safer, eco-friendly alternatives to safeguard public health and ensure Nigeria’s agricultural exports meet international safety standards.
Adopting the motion, the House directed its Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Health Institutions, and Environment to liaise with relevant agencies to investigate the matter and propose comprehensive measures to regulate pesticide use in the country.
The committees are expected to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
