The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized prohibited agrochemicals worth more than ₦800m across Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states in 2025, warning that the circulation of banned and unregistered pesticides threatens food safety, public health and the environment.

The agency said it had intensified surveillance and enforcement to dismantle illegal supply networks and prevent prohibited chemicals from entering Nigerian markets through neighbouring countries and unauthorised routes. In a statement signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC warned that unregistered and inadequately assessed pesticides could reach farmers and consumers through informal distribution channels.

“The illegal movement of banned and unregistered pesticides across our borders poses a serious threat to public health, food safety, and the environment,” Adeyeye said.

NAFDAC disclosed that enforcement operations in the North-West between September 2024 and July 2026 led to the seizure of 2,974 cartons of paraquat-based pesticides valued at about ₦148.7m and 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos-based products worth more than ₦17m. Recent operations in Kebbi State also resulted in the interception of 5,619 cartons of paraquat-based pesticides and 500 cartons of atrazine-based products.

The agency also sealed four unauthorised pesticide and agrochemical manufacturing facilities in Bichi, Kano State, and said it was working with security agencies to disrupt illegal distribution networks and prosecute offenders.

The enforcement drive follows scientific reviews and consultations that led to the phased prohibition of paraquat, chlorpyrifos and atrazine. Their respective bans took effect on January 1, 2024, November 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, with applicable phase-out periods ending on January 1, 2026. NAFDAC also prohibited the importation, manufacture and open-market or supermarket sale of 100ml packs of dichlorvos, commonly known as DDVP, over concerns about its misuse on food crops.

While acknowledging the role of approved pesticides in agricultural production, the agency warned that excessive application, improper use and failure to observe recommended pre-harvest intervals could expose farmers and consumers to health risks.

It urged farmers and agrochemical users to purchase pesticides only from licensed dealers, follow label instructions, apply recommended quantities and dispose of empty containers safely.

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