Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to ban Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) amid mounting concerns over Nigeria’s growing food safety and public health crisis.
The motion, titled “Stoppage and Mitigation of Risks Associated with the Use of Hazardous Pesticides Across Nigeria,” was sponsored by Clement Jimbo during plenary on Wednesday.
Lawmakers unanimously supported the motion, warning that pesticide misuse poses a national emergency.
Jimbo described the situation as “a ticking time bomb for public health,” citing data from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) showing that more than half of registered pesticides in Nigeria are classified as hazardous — many already banned in Europe.
He revealed that 70 per cent of suicides in Nigeria are linked to chemical ingestion, particularly Dichlorvos (DDVP), marketed as Sniper. He also warned that pesticide residues contaminate soil, water, and food, threatening both farmers and consumers.
“Reports show increasing pesticide poisoning and rejections of Nigerian food exports due to unsafe chemical residues,” Jimbo told the House.
Lawmakers also referenced the 2020 Benue tragedy, where over 270 people reportedly died after the banned pesticide Endosulfan polluted a river.
In a related resolution, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to revive dormant factories with ₦350 million proposed in the 2026 budget. The plan aims to restore facilities such as the Osogbo Steel Rolling Mill, Osogbo Machine Tools, and Umuahia Ceramic Industry to boost local production and jobs.
The motion was adopted without opposition, with the Committees on Industry and Legislative Compliance directed to oversee implementation within four weeks.
Lawmakers say eliminating toxic pesticides and reviving industry could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s public health and food safety.
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