Public Health : HOR Advocates Ban On Hazardous Pesticides

The House of Representatives has called for an immediate ban on hazardous pesticides linked to rising health and environmental risks across the country.

Lawmakers said the widespread use of toxic chemicals threatens food safety, public health, and biodiversity.

They urged the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to develop a revival plan for abandoned industries and include ₦350 million in the 2026 budget for the initiative.

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by a member from Akwa Ibom State, Clement Jimbo titled “Stoppage and Mitigation of Risks Associated with the Use of Hazardous Pesticides Across Nigeria.

In his lead debate Jimbo said more than half of the pesticides registered in Nigeria are classified as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), citing data from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

According to him, many of these chemicals have been banned in other countries.

He warned that about 70% of suicides in Nigeria are linked to the ingestion of toxic pesticides such as Dichlorvos (DDVP), commonly sold as Sniper.

He added that these substances have contaminated water and soil and led to the rejection of Nigerian food exports due to chemical residues.

“Research has shown that seven of the thirteen most commonly used pesticide ingredients in Nigeria are carcinogenic,” Jimbo said, recalling a 2020 incident in which over 270 people died in Benue State after a local river was contaminated with the banned pesticide Endosulfan.

On industrial development, Jimbo urged the federal government to prioritize the revival of key manufacturing industries, including the Osogbo Steel Rolling Mill and the Umuahia Ceramic Industry, to create jobs and boost productivity.

The House mandated its Committees on Industry and Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within four weeks.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji