Key Points

• Nigeria loses $362 million yearly to pesticide-related export rejections.
• Experts say pesticides harm food production and public health.
• Farmers are urged to adopt safer pest-control alternatives.

Nigeria loses more than $362 million each year because foreign buyers reject its food exports over pesticide residues, experts warn.

Farmers use more than 23,400 metric tonnes of pesticides annually, with over 90 percent relying on chemicals banned in other countries.

The Alliance for Action on Pesticides in Nigeria (AAPN) reports that more than 76 percent of Nigeria’s exports to the European Union fail due to safety concerns.

Sesame, one of the country’s major crops, also faces possible restrictions in Japan over pesticide misuse.

“Pesticides harm food production and damage Nigeria’s reputation as a trusted supplier,” said Donald Ofoegbu, lead coordinator of AAPN.

Pesticides harm food production and human health

Experts say toxic pesticides pollute soil, water, and crops while exposing farmers and consumers to chronic illnesses.

More than 65 percent of Nigeria’s registered pesticide ingredients fall into the highly hazardous category.

Environmental scientist Prof. Babatunde Benard explained that misuse of pesticides destroys pollinators, disrupts ecosystems, and triggers long-term diseases such as cancer, respiratory problems, and kidney failure.

ActionAid Nigeria linked pesticides to declining soil fertility, biodiversity loss, and worsening health conditions.

Country Director Dr. Andrew Mamedu said more than half of pesticides approved in Nigeria are already banned in Europe, yet they remain on sale in local markets.

Calls grow for safer farming alternatives

Farmers and agribusiness leaders say their incomes suffer as rejected exports pile up and soils deteriorate.

Civil society groups like ActionAid and Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) now train thousands of farmers in agroecology and bio-pesticides.

NAFDAC Director General Prof. Christianah Adeyeye confirmed the agency has banned some dangerous chemicals.

She urged exporters to comply with international safety rules, stressing that every country enforces strict limits on pesticide residues.

Nigeria risks more losses without urgent reforms

Experts recommend stronger enforcement of pesticide bans, farmer training on integrated pest management, and support for natural alternatives such as neem extracts and compost manure.

They warn that without action, Nigeria will continue to lose millions of dollars, deplete soil fertility, and expose farmers and consumers to severe health risks.