The process of gradually phasing out and outlawing some dangerous pesticides has started, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said on Monday.
The agency said pesticides are used both inside and outside to control pests, prevent the spread of diseases carried by insects, and preserve crops, however, there are significant risks involved if the toxicity is not carefully controlled.
According to a survey by the Heinrich Boll Foundation, 40% of the pesticides used in Nigeria were prohibited in the European Union (EU), the agency continued.
According to a statement made by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, stakeholders must be involved in reviewing and analyzing the list of registered pesticide and agrochemical active ingredients in the NAFDAC Registered Product Automated Database (NARPAD) in relation to active, banned, non-approved, or restricted substances in the EU, other nations, or by pertinent international organizations.
The statement reads: “NAFDAC to intensify Post Marketing Surveillance nationwide. Pesticide and agrochemical importers and manufacturers would be advised to institute stewardship plans (such as Post Marketing Surveillance and research) in their companies. NAFDAC to collaborate with research institutes in the conduct of research and scientific data generation on pesticides to enable it make evidence-based decisions and policies.
“NAFDAC to engage sister agencies (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service), to ensure synergy in the regulation of pesticide and agrochemical products.
“In addition to the ban of Paraquat, Chlorpyrifos, and Atrazine with effective dates from January 1, 2024, November 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, NAFDAC has also initiated the action plan for the ban/phase-out of 12 active ingredients and the reclassification of four others. The availability of alternatives were considered to ensure stakeholders, most especially farmers, will not be affected by the decisions taken.”
