The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has removed prohibited agrochemicals worth more than N800 million from the market across Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states. This action shows that illegal pesticides create serious risks to public health, food supply and the growth of Nigeria’s farming industry.
The agency said enforcement work that began in 2025 found these materials, and operations across the country led to more seizures and stopped illegal shipments.
NAFDAC Director General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said on Friday that from September 2024 to July 2026, enforcement teams in the North-West seized or stopped 2,974 cartons of pesticides with banned paraquat, valued at about N148.7 million. An additional 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos-based pesticides, worth more than N17 million, were also seized during this time.
In Kebbi State, recent enforcement actions stopped 5,619 cartons containing 67,428 litres of banned paraquat and 500 cartons containing 5,000kg of atrazine.
Adeyeye stressed that finding banned products even after their removal dates have passed shows ongoing illegal importing, unlawful manufacturing and hidden distribution networks.
She said that in January 1 2026, all phase-out deadlines under NAFDAC’s rules have ended, making it against the law to make, bring in, sell, promote or use these products.
The restricted chemical agents include paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and atrazine. NAFDAC has additionally established restrictions on the 100ml formulation of dichlorvos (DDVP), prohibiting its entry into the country, manufacturing, or commercialization via open market channels and retail establishments owing to concerns about potential inappropriate use on agricultural produce.
Adeyeye revealed that the organization dismantled three unauthorized agrochemical and pesticide production facilities in Bichi, Kano State, during July 2026. Enforcement personnel identified unmarked products, unrefined substances, and packaging materials derived from illicit manufacturing operations.
She highlighted that NAFDAC is strengthening its examination procedures, enhancing monitoring at border checkpoints, and engaging with corresponding regulatory bodies to eliminate unauthorized distribution networks and enforce penalties against those who breach regulatory requirements.
The agency further warned that even approved pesticides create food contamination risks when utilized incorrectly or when collection happens before prescribed waiting periods.
Adeyeye cited a market examination on beans that found pyrethroid and dimethoate residue levels surpassing acceptable limits. She stressed that dimethoate is not permitted for safeguarding processed legumes from insect damage including weevils, and that pesticide usage must be confined to approved applications and adhere to label instructions.
She advised farmers to buy certified products exclusively from licensed agro-input retailers, apply them at recommended dosages, and observe mandatory waiting periods before harvesting treated crops.
Warnings were issued to manufacturers, importers, and distributors prohibiting the production or distribution of prohibited, counterfeit, unapproved, or substandard products.
Adeyeye noted that over 2,000 agro-input dealers completed training to identify genuine pesticides and understand the risks associated with illicit alternatives. NAFDAC is expanding its investigative and enforcement operations from three to six regional offices to enhance coverage across Nigeria.
She urged the public to report suspected illegal pesticides through NAFDAC’s established channels, emphasizing that consumer protection and agricultural productivity must advance together.
