NAFDAC Raids Agrochemical Shops in Four States, Confiscates ₦800 Million Worth of Banned Pesticides

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated banned and hazardous pesticides worth over ₦800 million across four states in southwest Nigeria—Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo.

The agency disclosed this in an official statement, highlighting that the raids were part of its intensified efforts to sanitize the agrochemical market and eliminate products posing serious risks to human health, food safety, and the environment.

During the operation, NAFDAC operatives inspected 16 agrochemical shops and seized 551 cartons of prohibited pesticides. These included:
• Chlorpyrifos (banned effective November 1, 2024)
• Paraquat (banned effective January 1, 2024)
• Atrazine (banned effective January 1, 2025)

According to NAFDAC, these chemicals are highly toxic and carcinogenic, with links to respiratory failure, kidney and liver damage, and other severe health issues. They also contribute to the rejection of Nigerian agricultural exports in global markets due to contamination concerns.

A NAFDAC spokesperson explained that the presence of these substances in the food supply chain not only endangers consumers but also undermines Nigeria’s international trade credibility, especially in the export of agricultural produce.

“Our actions are aimed at saving lives and restoring global confidence in Nigerian farm exports. The banned substances found in these shops have no place in our markets,” the agency emphasized.

NAFDAC urged farmers and dealers to adopt safer, approved pesticide alternatives, including products like Flushout, Sharpshooter, and Best, which meet regulatory standards.

The public has been advised to:
• Verify sources of agrochemicals before purchase
• Avoid dealing with unregistered vendors
• Report suspicious activities or sales of banned substances to the nearest NAFDAC office

This crackdown is part of a broader NAFDAC strategy to tighten control over pesticide use in Nigeria. Past and ongoing reforms include:
• Mandatory listing and certification of agrochemical dealers
• Clearance permits for bulk pesticide imports
• Training programs for agro-input retailers and farmers
• Public awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders on pesticide safety

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety standards, protecting public health, and enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain through consistent regulation and field surveillance.

“We will continue to monitor and enforce compliance to protect lives, boost agricultural productivity, and sustain economic growth,” the statement concluded.