The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized banned pesticides worth more than N800m in four South-West states and uncovered four unauthorised agrochemical manufacturing facilities in Kano State amid concerns over the circulation of unsafe chemicals in Nigeria.
The agency also disclosed that enforcement operations in the North-West between September 2024 and July 2026 led to the seizure of 2,974 cartons of paraquat-based pesticides valued at about N148.7m and 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos-based products worth more than N17m.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC warned that the illegal movement of banned and unregistered pesticides across Nigeria’s borders posed serious threats to public health, food safety and the environment.
The agency said recent operations in Kebbi State also resulted in the interception of 5,619 cartons of paraquat-based products and 500 cartons of atrazine-based pesticides.
It added that four unauthorised pesticide and agrochemical manufacturing facilities had been sealed in Bichi, Kano State, as part of efforts to dismantle illegal supply networks and prevent prohibited products from reaching consumers.
“The illegal movement of banned and unregistered pesticides across our borders poses a serious threat to public health, food safety, and the environment,” Adeyeye said.
NAFDAC said the enforcement drive followed scientific reviews and consultations with stakeholders that led to the phased prohibition of selected pesticide ingredients, including paraquat, chlorpyrifos and atrazine.
According to the agency, the bans on paraquat, chlorpyrifos and atrazine took effect on January 1, 2024, November 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, respectively. Applicable phase-out grace periods ended on January 1, 2026.
The agency also prohibited the importation, manufacture and open-market or supermarket sale of 100ml packs of dichlorvos, commonly known as DDVP, citing concerns over its misuse on food crops.
NAFDAC said it was strengthening surveillance and collaborating with security and law enforcement agencies to disrupt illegal supply chains and prosecute offenders.
“Our enforcement operations are aimed at dismantling illegal supply chains, preventing prohibited products from reaching the Nigerian market, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice,” the agency said.
While acknowledging the importance of approved pesticides to agricultural productivity, NAFDAC warned that even authorised products could endanger human health and the environment if improperly handled or applied.
It said risks could arise when farmers use excessive quantities, spray crops not approved for the chemicals or harvest produce before the recommended pre-harvest intervals have elapsed.
The agency urged farmers and agro-input users to buy pesticides only from licensed dealers, follow label instructions, apply recommended quantities and dispose of empty containers safely.
It also disclosed that it had trained more than 2,000 agro-input dealers nationwide to improve product authentication and promote responsible pesticide management.
NAFDAC called on manufacturers, importers, distributors, farmers and members of the public to report suspected illegal or unsafe products through its offices and official reporting channels.
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