NAFDAC Seizes Illegal Pesticides Worth Over ₦800m In Four States
NAFDAC Seizes Banned Agrochemicals in Ongoing Enforcement Effort
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced the seizure of banned agrochemicals valued at over ₦800 million in Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states during 2025. This action is part of the agency’s broader initiative to combat the circulation of illegal pesticides in Nigeria.
In a press release issued on Saturday, October 10, NAFDAC stated that recent enforcement activities in the North-West region led to the confiscation, interception, or custody of 2,974 cartons of paraquat-based pesticides, amounting to approximately ₦148.7 million, between September 2024 and July 2026.
Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye highlighted that operations in Kebbi State resulted in further significant seizures, including 5,619 cartons of paraquat-based products and 500 cartons of atrazine-based pesticides. The agency also reported the confiscation of 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos-based pesticides valued at more than ₦17 million.
In a bid to combat illegal operations, NAFDAC has sealed four unauthorized pesticide manufacturing facilities in Bichi, Kano State. The agency emphasized the importance of collaboration with relevant government bodies and law enforcement to dismantle illegal supply chains and pursue legal action against offenders.
NAFDAC warned of the dangers posed by the ongoing circulation of prohibited pesticides, noting the potential risks to consumers, farmers, and the environment, particularly when these chemicals are misapplied to crops.
“While pesticides are essential for agricultural production, they must be approved and used responsibly in compliance with regulatory standards,” the agency stated.
Following scientific reviews and stakeholder consultations, NAFDAC has announced phase-out measures for certain pesticide ingredients. The bans on paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and atrazine will take effect on January 1, 2024, November 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, respectively. The applicable phase-out periods will conclude by January 1, 2026.
Additionally, NAFDAC has prohibited the import, manufacture, and retail sale of the 100ml pack size of dichlorvos, also known as DDVP, due to concerns about its inappropriate use in agriculture.
The agency raised alarms regarding the illegal movement of pesticides across Nigeria’s borders and through informal distribution channels, which may include banned products entering the country from neighboring nations via unauthorized routes. NAFDAC cautioned that some pesticides could reach local markets without undergoing the necessary regulatory assessments.
Even approved pesticides can present serious health and environmental hazards if misused or applied incorrectly. NAFDAC advises farmers and users to purchase only approved pesticides from authorized dealers, adhere to label instructions, use prescribed quantities, observe pre-harvest intervals, and dispose of containers safely.
Furthermore, NAFDAC has trained over 2,000 agro-input dealers to promote product authenticity and responsible use of pesticides. The agency calls on manufacturers, importers, distributors, agro-input dealers, farmers, and the general public to comply with regulatory requirements and report any suspected illegal or unsafe products to its offices or through official channels.
