Reps Move to Review Highly Hazardous Pesticides Nationwide

• Urges tighter regulation and gradual phase-out of dangerous chemicals

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately review and take inventory of all Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) currently circulating in Nigeria. The House made the resolution following growing concerns over the health and environmental risks posed by unregulated pesticide use across the country.

During plenary on Tuesday, the motion of urgent national importance was sponsored by Hon. Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom). Lawmakers unanimously agreed that the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Health and Social Development, and Environment, alongside relevant NGOs, should collaborate on a nationwide audit of such hazardous substances.

The House further urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to strengthen its regulatory oversight on the importation, distribution, and use of pesticides. It emphasized that special attention should be given to Highly Hazardous Pesticides while ensuring that the list of banned substances remains current and publicly accessible.

In addition, the lawmakers directed the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria to develop and promote integrated pest management strategies that favor safer alternatives. These include the use of organic biopesticides and agroecological methods already adopted by many local farmers as sustainable and environmentally friendly options.

The motion also tasked the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services and Environment to work closely with relevant agencies to create a framework for the gradual phase-out of toxic pesticides. The committees are expected to report back with policy recommendations and timelines for implementation.

Hon. Jimbo, in his presentation, warned that continued exposure to unregulated pesticides could lead to severe health problems, soil degradation, and water pollution. He emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to protect both farmers and consumers while promoting sustainable agricultural practices that ensure food safety and environmental preservation.