NAFDAC seizes N800m in banned pesticides as Nigeria tightens food safety

Nigeria’s food and drug regulator seized banned pesticides valued at over N800 million in 2025 as part of a nationwide crackdown on unregistered, falsified and substandard agrochemicals.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control said the seizures in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states are part of efforts to protect public health, food safety and the environment.

Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general, said while pesticides remain important for agricultural production, they must be approved and used responsibly in line with regulatory requirements.

Following scientific reviews and stakeholder consultations, NAFDAC phased out selected active ingredients, with enforcement of bans on paraquat, chlorpyrifos and atrazine taking effect on Jan. 1, 2024, Nov. 1, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025 respectively. All phase-out periods ended by Jan. 1, 2026.

Read also: NAFDAC warns banned pesticides remain in circulation despite phase-out

The agency also prohibited the importation, manufacture and sale of the 100 ml pack size of dichlorvos (DDVP) over concerns about its misuse on agricultural produce.

Adeyeye said the agency is particularly concerned about the illegal movement of pesticides across Nigeria’s borders and through informal channels. She said banned products enter through neighbouring countries or unauthorised routes, while products that have not undergone regulatory assessment also find their way into local markets.

Despite the restrictions, banned products remain in circulation, NAFDAC said in a statement.

Between September 2024 and July 2026, operations in the North-West zone led to the seizure of 2,974 cartons of paraquat-based pesticides valued at about N48.7 million, 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos-based products worth over N7 million, and in Kebbi State, 5,619 cartons of paraquat and 500 cartons of atrazine-based products. Four unauthorised pesticide manufacturing facilities were sealed in Bichi, Kano State.

Adeyeye warned that even approved pesticides pose serious risks when misused, including incorrect application, use on unauthorised crops, or harvesting before the required waiting period.

She advised farmers to buy approved pesticides from legitimate agro-input dealers, follow label instructions, observe pre-harvest intervals and dispose of containers safely. The agency said it has trained more than 2,000 agro-input dealers to promote authenticity and responsible use.

NAFDAC said it is strengthening collaboration with relevant government agencies and law enforcement to disrupt illegal supply chains and prosecute offenders, and urged the public to report suspected illegal products through its offices or via [email protected] and [email protected].