NAFDAC initiates moves to stem the threat of pesticides in the country – Business Traffic

Following anxiety in Nigeria over the threat of unsafe pesticides, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has initiated the action plan for the ban or phase-out of 12 active ingredients and the re-classification of four others.

The Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye stated this in a statement on Tuesday, and solicited the cooperation of the public and all relevant stakeholders to rid the nation of these hazardous pesticides.

The statement read: “The dangers posed by pesticides are of immense concern to the Agency and there have been recent concerns from stakeholders such as the report of the study conducted by Heinrich Boll Foundation; a non-governmental organization that claimed that 40% of pesticides used in Nigeria had been banned in the EU.

“There was also an alert received from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) cautioning on the possibility that the European Union and United Kingdom were exporting  banned Neonicotinoid Pesticides to Nigeria and other Poorer Countries. Emphasis was placed on Chlorpyrifos and its variants due to their harmful effects on humans, animals, beneficial insects, and the environment.

During her first term of the Director General, she gave a directive to review and analyze the list of registered pesticides and agrochemical active ingredients in the NAFDAC Registered Product Automated Database (NARPAD) vis-à-vis actives banned, non-approved or restricted in the European Union, other countries or by relevant international organizations. That led to several meetings with stakeholders and November 2022 meeting when timelines were set for the phase-out ban of the various pesticides.

“Pesticides are applied both indoors and outdoors for the management of pests, vector-borne diseases, and for crop protection. They are sometimes impregnated in textiles, paints, carpets, and treated wood to control pests and fungi. However, the toxicity associated with the misuse and abuse of pesticides is worrisome as it affects food safety and food security. The toxicity of pesticides is managed through stringent regulatory activities to reduce severe health implications on humans, crops, and the environment. This can be achieved through awareness and continual sensitization of stakeholders.

“The mandate of NAFDAC as established by Act Cap N1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 is to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, detergents, and chemicals (referred to as regulated products). Safeguarding the health of the nation is paramount to the Agency.

The outcome of the review of NAFDAC’s database for the pesticides was shared with stakeholders at a three (3) day virtual stakeholder’s engagement held on the 22^nd, 24^th, and 29^th of November 2022. It focused on the proposed phase-out/ban of these active ingredients and had in attendance, proponent holders of marketing authorizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Associations (All Farmers Association of Nigeria, CropLife Nigeria, Nigeria Agro-Input Dealers Association etc), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Research institutes amongst others.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that: –

1. Pesticide and agrochemical importers and manufacturers would be advised to institute stewardship plans (such as Post Marketing Surveillance and research) in their companies.
2. NAFDAC to collaborate with research institutes in the conduct of research and scientific data generation on pesticides to enable the Agency make evidence-based decisions and policies.
3. NAFDAC to intensify Post Marketing Surveillance nationwide.
4. There should be continual sensitization and education of relevant stakeholders on the safe and responsible use of pesticides.
5. NAFDAC to engage with other sister Agencies (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Standards Organization 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 conclusion, the Agency has initiated the action plan for the ban/phase-out of 12 active ingredients and the re-classification of 4 others as shown in the tables below. The availability of alternatives in the country were put into consideration to ensure that stakeholders most especially farmers will not be affected by the decisions taken.”