NAFDAC Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Pesticides in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning regarding the illegal movement of banned and unregistered pesticides across Nigeria's borders, highlighting severe risks to public health, food safety, and the environment. In a statement signed by its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC emphasized that unsafe agrochemicals could infiltrate local markets through informal channels.

The agency reported seizing banned agrochemicals worth over N800 million in Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states in 2025. Enforcement operations in the North-West zone from September 2024 to July 2026 led to the seizure of 2,974 cartons of paraquat-based pesticides valued at approximately N148.7 million and 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos-based pesticides worth over N17 million.

Recent operations in Kebbi State resulted in the interception of 5,619 cartons of paraquat-based products and 500 cartons of atrazine-based products. NAFDAC has also sealed four unauthorized pesticide manufacturing facilities in Bichi, Kano State, and is collaborating with security authorities to disrupt illegal supply networks.