Dangerous Chemicals Threaten Nigerians as Unsafe Food Preservation Spreads
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Adams Musa
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s food safety is under renewed threat as agricultural experts warn that the use of industrial chemicals to preserve food could trigger widespread health crises and damage the country’s export credibility.
The Organic Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (OFPAN) raise the alarm amid public outrage over a viral video allegedly showing beans preserved with cement. The association describes the practice as “reckless, life-threatening and unacceptable”.
OFPAN President, Alhaji Adams Musa, says the use of cement, calcium carbide and similar substances exposes consumers to toxic compounds never intended for human consumption.
“These materials are not food-grade. They contain heavy metals and harsh alkaline components that can cause poisoning, organ failure and long-term diseases,” Musa tells journalists in Abuja.
He explains that cement, a construction material, can burn the mouth and digestive tract even in small quantities, while prolonged exposure may lead to irreversible internal damage. Musa adds that unsafe preservation methods also degrade soil quality and undermine sustainable farming systems.
Beyond health risks, OFPAN warns that such practices contribute to the rejection of Nigerian produce in international markets, weakening the nation’s agricultural reputation and export prospects.
“Countries will not accept food products linked to unsafe handling. This is costing Nigeria opportunities,” Musa says.
The association urges farmers and traders to adopt organic preservation methods that protect crops without endangering lives. According to Musa, organic fertilisers and soil enhancers naturally deter pests, improve yields and safeguard public health.
He also calls on government agencies to intensify public education through nationwide training, workshops and awareness campaigns.
“Many resort to these methods out of ignorance. With proper sensitisation, this dangerous trend can be reversed,” he adds.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 
Koko Maxwella 