Professor Lami Nnamonu, a senior lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Benue State, expressed regret over the increasing rejection of Nigerian agricultural products in European and American countries.
The primary reason behind this alarming trend is attributed to the improper use of chemicals by local farmers.
Speaking at a one-day Capacity Building and Empowerment event organized by the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) and the National Assembly in Port Harcourt, Prof Nnamonu emphasized the failure of regulatory agencies to enforce chemical use laws.
The repercussions of this lax oversight are not only tarnishing the reputation of Nigerian produce but also affecting the nation’s foreign exchange.
Pesticide residues, resulting from the misuse and wrong application of chemicals, have become recurring incidents leading to food poisoning in the country.
Prof Nnamonu pointed out that the levels of pesticide residues in Nigerian farm products often surpass the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The professor highlighted a specific instance involving yam exports from Benue State. Despite the franchise to export yams to Europe and the Americas, the products were rejected due to pesticide residues exceeding international safety standards.
“Government knows this. They should wake up to their responsibilities. They are interested in self, me, myself and I, and nobody cares about the common good,” remarked Prof Nnamonu, urging regulatory agencies and the government to prioritize monitoring and educating farmers on proper chemical usage.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of ICCON, Chemist Wilford Jwalshik, stated the need for accurate information to empower citizens on chemical safety and security, due to the growing global concern about the safe handling, storage, and transportation of chemicals.
