By Iyanuoluwa Abiola
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has found pesticide residues exceeding safe limits in beans during a market study, while seizing banned agrochemicals worth over N800m in four states.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the warning at a press briefing on Friday, while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to curbing illegal pesticides and protecting ensuring food safety.
Adeyeye identified pyrethroids and dimethoate as the pesticide residues detected above safe limits in the beans study, explaining that the findings highlighted the risks associated with the misuse of agricultural chemicals.
“A recent market study on beans revealed pesticide residues—specifically pyrethroids and dimethoate—exceeding safe limits. While dimethoate is globally accepted for treating crops in the field, it is neither approved nor effective for preserving harvested beans against pests like weevils. Conversely, while pyrethroids are permitted for post-harvest storage, users must strictly follow the required withholding period before consumption. Ultimately, the risk stems not from these chemicals themselves, but from improper application,” Adeyeye stated.
She explained that although some pesticides were approved for agricultural use, applying them incorrectly could leave unsafe levels of chemical residues in food crops.
The agency’s boss further disclosed that it seized banned agrochemicals worth more than N800m in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states in 2025.
According to NAFDAC’s DG, enforcement operations in the North-West Zone between September 2024 and July 2026 resulted in the seizure, interception or custody of 2,974 cartons of pesticides containing banned paraquat, valued at approximately N148.7m.
She further noted that the agency also seized 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos-containing pesticides worth more than N17m during the same period.
In a separate operation, NAFDAC intercepted 5,619 cartons, equivalent to 67,428 litres, of banned paraquat and 500 cartons, equivalent to 5,000 kilogrammes, of atrazine products in Kebbi State.
“These interceptions after the effective date of the ban indicate that the challenge extends beyond residual stocks to illegal importation, unauthorised local production and distribution,” Adeyeye stressed.
The warning comes as NAFDAC continues to uncover banned pesticides in circulation despite the expiration of their applicable phase-out periods on January 1, 2026.
Adeyeye identified paraquat, chlorpyrifos and atrazine among the prohibited pesticide ingredients whose products could no longer be manufactured, imported, distributed, sold or used in Nigeria after the phase-out periods ended.
It also reported that suspects were arrested during enforcement operations in the North-West Zone, with one of them facing prosecution.
In July 2026, NAFDAC sealed four unauthorised agrochemical and pesticide manufacturing facilities in Bichi, Kano State, where officers found unlabeled products, bulk materials and packaging materials linked to illicit production.
Beyond the sale of prohibited products, NAFDAC’s DG cautioned that approved pesticides could also become harmful when used incorrectly.
The regulatory agency’s boss explained that dimethoate was neither approved nor effective for preserving harvested beans against pests such as weevils. Although pyrethroids were permitted for post-harvest storage, users were required to observe the prescribed waiting period before consumption.
NAFDAC listed excessive application, using chemicals on crops for which they were not recommended and harvesting produce before the required waiting period among practices that could compromise food safety.
It also warned against mixing pesticides inappropriately, storing them alongside food or animal feed, reusing empty pesticide containers for domestic purposes and disposing of pesticide residues and containers improperly.
NAFDAC urged farmers and other pesticide users to apply only approved products, follow the instructions on product labels, use the recommended quantities and observe the required interval between application and harvest.
“The improper use of pesticides can expose farmers, farm workers, consumers, animals and the environment to harm. Hence, farmers and other pesticide users must use only approved products, follow label instructions, and apply the correct amount as specified on the product label because food safety starts at the farm,” NAFDAC’s DG stated.
The agency also called on manufacturers and importers to ensure that their products met regulatory requirements, while distributors and agro-input dealers were advised to source pesticides through legitimate channels and refrain from selling banned, falsified, unregistered or otherwise non-compliant products.
Reaffirming its enforcement position, NAFDAC warned that commercial interests would not excuse violations of pesticide regulations.
“No business interest or desire for profit will justify the illegal importation, distribution or sale of banned or non-compliant pesticides,” Adeyeye declared.
NAFDAC’s DG said the agency would continue working with relevant government institutions and law enforcement authorities to identify and remove illegal products from the market and take appropriate action against those who violated pesticide regulations.
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