Reps move to ban hazardous pesticides threatening Nigerians’ health, food safety

…say 70% of suicides linked to ingestion of toxic pesticides

…seek ₦350m successful 2026 fund to revive moribund industries

By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives has called for urgent enactment to halt the usage of hazardous pesticides successful Nigeria’s cultivation sector, citing threats to nationalist health, nutrient safety, and the environment.

The House besides urged the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to make a resuscitation plan—through its Industrial Inspectorate Department—for moribund industries crossed the six geopolitical zones. Lawmakers further called connected the ministry to see ₦350 cardinal successful the 2026 fund to commence the revival of specified industries.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a question titled “Stoppage and Mitigation of Risks Associated with the Use of Hazardous Pesticides Across Nigeria”, sponsored by Hon. Clement Jimbo, during Wednesday’s plenary.

Leading the debate, Jimbo noted that portion pesticides are captious for harvest protection, the wide circulation of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) poses sedate risks to quality health, biodiversity, and biology sustainability.

He cited information from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) indicating that implicit 50% of registered pesticides successful Nigeria autumn nether the HHP category—many of which person been banned successful different countries owed to their toxicity.

Jimbo expressed interest that astir 70% of suicides successful Nigeria are linked to the ingestion of highly toxic pesticides specified arsenic Dichlorvos (DDVP), commonly sold arsenic Sniper. He added that the indiscriminate importation and usage of specified chemicals person led to contamination of h2o and soil, threatening farmers, consumers, and the ecosystem.

“Reports bespeak a increasing fig of pesticide poisoning cases and rejection of Nigerian nutrient exports astatine planetary ports owed to chemic residues,” helium said. “Research has shown that 7 of the thirteen commonly utilized pesticide ingredients successful Nigeria are carcinogenic.”

He recalled that successful 2020, implicit 270 radical reportedly died successful Oyo Obi Community, Benue State, pursuing contamination of the section stream by the banned pesticide Endosulfan.

On concern development, Jimbo lamented the long-standing illness of manufacturing industries successful the state but expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s medication would prioritize concern revitalization.

He emphasized that reviving cardinal industries specified arsenic the Osogbo Steel Rolling Mill, Osogbo Machine Tools, and the Umuahia Ceramic Industry would stimulate economical growth, trim import dependence, make jobs, and fortify Nigeria’s productive capacity.

The House unanimously adopted the question and mandated its Committees connected Industry and Legislative Compliance to guarantee implementation and study backmost wrong 4 weeks for further legislative action.

The station Reps determination to prohibition hazardous pesticides threatening Nigerians’ health, nutrient safety appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.