NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Toxic Pesticides in Beans, Seizes ₦800m Banned Chemicals

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the detection of dangerous pesticide residues in some samples of beans sold in Nigeria, warning that the misuse of agricultural chemicals poses serious risks to public health.

The agency also disclosed that it seized banned agrochemicals worth more than ₦800 million in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states in 2025, as part of efforts to prevent prohibited chemicals from entering the food supply chain.

NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed the findings during a media briefing on pesticide safety in Lagos on Friday, October 9, 2026.

According to the agency, a recent market study detected residues of pyrethroids and dimethoate above permitted safety limits in some bean samples, raising concerns about the improper use of pesticides to preserve harvested agricultural produce.

Adeyeye explained that although pesticides play an important role in crop protection, their use must comply with approved regulations and safety instructions.

She warned that the misuse of chemicals, excessive application and failure to observe the prescribed waiting period between pesticide application and harvesting could expose consumers, farmers and the environment to harmful substances.

The NAFDAC chief stressed that a pesticide approved for use on crops in the field is not automatically suitable for preserving harvested food products.

She specifically cautioned against using dimethoate to preserve harvested beans against pests such as weevils, noting that the chemical was not approved for that purpose.

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While certain pyrethroids are permitted for post-harvest storage under approved conditions, she said users must follow the prescribed instructions and safety requirements.

Adeyeye identified common violations to include applying excessive quantities of pesticides, using products on crops for which they were not approved, harvesting before the recommended waiting period and improperly mixing chemicals.

She also warned against storing pesticides alongside food, animal feed or household items, reusing empty chemical containers for domestic purposes and disposing of pesticide waste carelessly.

NAFDAC Seizes Banned Chemicals Worth ₦800m

Providing details of the agency’s enforcement operations, Adeyeye said NAFDAC seized banned agrochemicals worth more than ₦800 million in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states in 2025.

She added that enforcement operations in the North-West between September 2024 and July 2026 resulted in the seizure, interception or recovery of 2,974 cartons of pesticides containing paraquat, valued at approximately ₦148.7 million.

The agency also intercepted 120 cartons of pesticides containing chlorpyrifos, valued at more than ₦17 million, during the same period.

In a separate operation in Kebbi State, authorities intercepted 5,619 cartons containing 67,428 litres of paraquat, alongside 500 cartons of atrazine products.

The agency said the affected chemicals were among products prohibited under its regulatory measures, with the applicable phase-out periods for paraquat, chlorpyrifos and atrazine ending on January 1, 2026.

NAFDAC also disclosed that it sealed four unauthorised pesticide and agrochemical manufacturing facilities in Bichi, Kano State, in July 2026. Officials reportedly discovered unlabelled products, bulk chemicals and packaging materials associated with illegal production.

Adeyeye said suspects had been arrested in connection with enforcement operations, with one case undergoing prosecution.

She attributed the continued circulation of banned pesticides partly to illegal importation, unauthorised local production and distribution through unofficial supply channels.

The agency also announced restrictions on the 100-millilitre pack size of dichlorvos, prohibiting its importation, manufacture and sale in open markets and supermarkets because of concerns about its misuse on agricultural produce and other risks.

NAFDAC Warns Farmers, Dealers and Consumers

Adeyeye urged farmers to purchase pesticides from recognised agro-input dealers, use only approved products and follow label instructions, including recommended quantities and pre-harvest waiting periods.

Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers were also warned to comply with regulatory requirements, while businesses involved in illegal production and distribution could face enforcement action and prosecution.

The agency said it was strengthening surveillance, laboratory testing, inspections and collaboration with law enforcement authorities to identify and remove prohibited chemicals from circulation.

It has also trained more than 2,000 agro-input dealers on responsible pesticide handling and application, while expanding its enforcement zonal offices from three to six to improve regulatory coverage.

Deputy Director of Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products at NAFDAC, Dr Idayat Mudshiru, said continued engagement with farmers and other stakeholders was essential to reducing pesticide misuse.

She said the agency was working with industry stakeholders, including CropLife, to improve public awareness and promote safe handling and application of agricultural chemicals.

The agency emphasised that protecting Nigerians from harmful pesticide residues requires coordinated action across the agricultural value chain, from chemical manufacturers and importers to dealers and farmers.

The findings underscore the importance of food safety monitoring and proper pesticide management, particularly for staple foods such as beans that are widely consumed in Nigerian households.