A growing number of Nigerian farmers and agricultural stakeholders have raised alarm over the continued use of harmful chemical pesticides, warning of escalating health risks, environmental damage, and food safety concerns across the country.
In an emotional plea, Sanni Olayemi, a smallholder farmer, recounted her personal suffering caused by pesticide exposure.
“Each time I use pesticide chemicals, whether I cover my nose or not, I end up with severe headaches and flu-like symptoms that can last for days,” she said. “But we have no choice. We use whatever is available or affordable in the market, even if it’s dangerous.”
According to her, the lack of training, alternatives, and access to agricultural extension services has left grassroots farmers trapped in a toxic cycle.
“Until we are trained in organic farming or supported with safer options, we’ll keep using these harmful chemicals, no matter the risks,” she added.
Echoing similar concerns, Ogochukwu Okoye, a vegetable farmer and trader, highlighted the economic pressures that force farmers to rely on pesticides despite knowing the dangers.
“We know it’s not healthy, but it’s either we use chemicals or lose our crops,” she said. “And after harvest, we’re rushed to sell everything fast because chemically-treated vegetables spoil within two or three days.”
She also criticized the lack of government support, especially for female farmers.
“We are invisible in the system. No subsidies, no organic training, no support,” she lamented.
From Ekundayo Power Line in Ogun State, farmer Ibrahim Akanbi shared a devastating experience where pesticide use damaged both his crops and fish ponds.
“The moment I sprayed chemical pesticides, my fish started dying. That year, I had terrible yields, and customers complained about the produce quality,” he said. “Our traditional methods were far safer and better.”
Otunba Dr. Adegbenro Ogunlana, Secretary General of Agbekoya Worldwide, condemned the widespread importation of unsafe agricultural inputs, calling for a return to indigenous and organic methods.
“These so-called fertilizers and pesticides are poisoning our soil, our food, and our people,” he declared. “We’re importing solutions we don’t need—Nigeria is naturally blessed with fertile land and natural manure sources.”
Adegbenro also linked the surge in modern diseases like cancer to chemically grown food.
“During our forefathers’ time, cancer was rare. Today, we’re consuming residues from banned chemicals in the name of farming,” he warned. “We must retrace our steps.”
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In Lufuwape Town, Obafemi Owode LGA, Gbenga Shaba, a longtime farmer, raised concerns about the use of internationally banned chemicals still available in Nigerian markets.
“Chemicals like Paraquat, Atrazine, and Carbofuran are banned elsewhere but sold freely here,” he said. “They’re destroying our health, the environment, and even the soil’s fertility.”
Ambassador John Adekorede Aderibigbe, National Chairman of the Nigeria Agricultural Commodity Practitioners (NACP), attributed the crisis to regulatory failures and overlap.
“The problem stems from weak coordination between NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture,” he said. “Importers bypass NAFDAC’s health screenings by going to the Fertilizer Department of the Agriculture Ministry for memos.”
He warned that many imported chemicals are banned in their countries of origin but are freely sold in Nigeria.
“We’ve gone from using ashes and animal dung to importing poisons. The same fertilizers damaging our food also reduce shelf life—today, vegetables spoil in one day,” he explained.
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Aderibigbe called for a national sensitization campaign to educate farmers and stronger border controls to stop unapproved chemical imports.
“We need a harmonized regulatory system that prioritizes public health and food safety,” he said.
Offering a more institutional view, Dr. Godfrey Nwosu, Secretary General of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), defended the current regulatory system, stating that pesticide approvals undergo rigorous evaluation.
“Before any pesticide is cleared, it’s assessed for suitability to Nigerian soil and climate,” he explained. “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has the expertise to make these decisions.”
However, Dr. Nwosu acknowledged that poor enforcement and unregulated markets pose real threats.
“We need tighter enforcement at our borders and markets to stop the infiltration of banned or substandard products,” he added.