By Adekoya Abayomi Samson
The House of Representatives has called for an immediate nationwide review and inventory of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) currently in circulation across Nigeria.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled “Stoppage and Mitigation of Risks Associated with the Use of Hazardous Pesticides Across Nigeria,” sponsored by Hon. Clement Jimbo (Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State) during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The House urged the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Health and Social Development, and Environment, alongside Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to collaborate on the nationwide review.
Lawmakers also tasked the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to strengthen its regulation, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms concerning the importation, distribution, and use of pesticides—particularly Highly Hazardous Pesticides. They emphasized the need to ensure that the list of banned and restricted pesticides is regularly updated and enforced nationwide.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Jimbo expressed deep concern over the continuous use of dangerous pesticides, warning that such inaction could undermine food security, endanger public health, and violate Nigeria’s international environmental and health obligations.
He further noted that negligence in regulating hazardous chemicals could result in increased long-term medical and ecological costs for the country.
“The House is cognizant that there are organic and agro-ecological alternatives in Nigeria that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically viable,” Hon. Jimbo stated.
Following extensive deliberations, the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, mandated the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services and Environment to engage relevant government agencies and stakeholders. The committees are expected to develop a framework for the gradual phase-out and eventual ban of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Nigeria.
The House directed the committees to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
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