NAFDAC Raises Concern Over Smuggling of Banned Paraquat into Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns about the continued entry of banned paraquat into Nigeria through neighbouring countries, highlighting persistent challenges in controlling prohibited agrochemicals and ensuring the safe use of pesticides.

In its documentary, Hidden Harvest: Understanding Agro-Allied Chemicals, the agency highlights the potential health risks associated with pesticide misuse, the alleged smuggling of banned products and efforts to improve the handling and distribution of agricultural chemicals through the training and certification of agro-input dealers.

Paraquat is a herbicide used to control weeds. NAFDAC prohibited its use in Nigeria following concerns about its toxicity to humans and the environment. The agency's regulatory directive identifies exposure through swallowing, inhalation or damaged skin as potential routes of poisoning.

According to NAFDAC, however, the existence of restrictions has not eliminated the problem of prohibited products entering the country.

The agency's concerns point to the need for effective enforcement alongside measures to improve awareness and compliance throughout the agricultural supply chain.

Paraquat ban and cross-border concerns

NAFDAC initiated a phase-out plan for paraquat in 2020. Under the timeline announced by the agency, importation was to stop by 31 December 2022, followed by a 12-month period for the exhaustion of existing stocks. The ban and enforcement action were scheduled to commence on 1 January 2024.

In the documentary, a NAFDAC representative expresses concern that paraquat continues to enter Nigeria from neighbouring countries where the product has not been banned. The representative attributes some of this circulation to the alleged smuggling of prohibited agrochemicals through unofficial routes.

The continued availability of banned products presents a regulatory challenge because restrictions on importation and use depend on effective monitoring of supply chains, distribution networks and points of entry.

NAFDAC's published regulatory measures include controls on pesticide importation, mandatory listing of agrochemical dealers, training and certification requirements, and public education on responsible pesticide use.

Why pesticide misuse matters

Beyond the circulation of banned products, the documentary emphasises the risks associated with using approved pesticides incorrectly.

The safety of an agrochemical depends on several factors, including the product's composition, the amount applied, the method of application and compliance with instructions on the label.

Using an excessive quantity does not necessarily improve pest control and may increase the risk of harmful exposure. Inappropriate handling can also expose farmers, agricultural workers and other people who come into contact with the chemicals.

The risks extend to consumers when pesticide residues remain in food at levels that exceed applicable safety limits.

NAFDAC therefore stresses the importance of ensuring that pesticides available for agricultural and other permitted purposes meet the required quality standards and are used responsibly.

The agency's emphasis on product labels is particularly important. Labels provide instructions on approved uses, application rates, protective measures and other precautions needed to minimise risks. Users who do not understand these instructions should seek assistance from appropriately trained personnel.

Training agrochemical dealers to improve safety

The documentary also highlights the training and certification of agro-input dealers through collaboration involving NAFDAC, CropLife Nigeria and the Nigeria Agro-Input Dealers Association (NAIDA).

NAFDAC introduced the training initiative to strengthen the capacity of dealers involved in the handling, storage and distribution of agricultural chemicals.

Dealers occupy an important position in the agricultural supply chain because they are often a point of contact between pesticide manufacturers and farmers. Their knowledge can influence the products farmers purchase, the instructions they receive and their understanding of safe handling practices.

In its 2022 announcement on pesticide regulation, NAFDAC outlined the training and certification of agro-input dealers as part of measures to improve the safe and responsible use of agrochemicals.

The documentary's account that conditions have improved following the joint training is an assessment presented by the agency. Independent evidence would be needed to establish the scale of improvement and its effect on pesticide misuse or exposure.

Training is therefore one component of a wider regulatory response. Its effectiveness also depends on continued monitoring, compliance with certification requirements and action against the distribution of prohibited products.

Implications for public health and pharmacy practice

Pesticide safety is not solely an agricultural issue. It also has implications for environmental health, food safety and the prevention and management of chemical poisoning.

For pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, knowledge of pesticide toxicity is relevant to recognising potential exposure, supporting appropriate referral and providing evidence-based health education. Public health professionals also have a role in communicating the risks of unsafe chemical handling without exaggerating the evidence.

Reducing these risks requires coordination among regulators, farmers, agro-input dealers, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. Effective border enforcement must be accompanied by access to reliable products, appropriate training and consistent compliance with safety requirements.

NAFDAC's documentary draws attention to these interconnected challenges. Its central message is that restricting hazardous agrochemicals is not enough on its own: effective enforcement and responsible practices throughout the supply chain are also necessary to protect public health.