Poor Chemical Use: Nigerian Products Rejected Abroad - Varsity Don
In Port Harcourt, Professor Lami Nnamonu, an Agro-Chemistry expert, expresses regret as agricultural products from Nigeria face rejection in Europe and the United States due to farmers' inadequate use of chemicals.
Nnamonu, a senior lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, highlights that farmers' improper use of pesticides and preservatives stems from regulatory agencies' failure to enforce established chemical use laws. This negligence, she asserts, is resulting in the rejection of Nigerian agricultural products in international markets and causing a drain on the nation's foreign exchange.
Speaking in Port Harcourt during a one-day Capacity Building and Empowerment event on Chemical Substances for Vulnerable Women and Youths, organized by the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) and the National Assembly, the university lecturer emphasizes that recurring incidents of pesticide residues contribute to food poisoning in the country. She underscores the escalating issues of chemical misuse, abuse, and improper application in Nigeria.
Nnamonu reveals that farm products from the country often exceed the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This issue arises due to the lack of monitoring and education for farmers on proper chemical usage.
"When our produce reaches international markets, they undergo testing for pesticides, revealing higher-than-allowed residues. The WHO has set Maximum Residue Limits (MRL), and our food often exceeds these limits. For example, Benue State exports yams, but inspections reveal pesticide residues surpassing the MRL, leading to rejections.
"The government is aware of these challenges but needs to fulfill its responsibilities. There is a need to prioritize the common good rather than individual interests, as the country faces repercussions from these issues."
She called upon regulatory agencies and the government to address the issue urgently, highlighting the insufficient implementation of laws and monitoring of farmers.
"Implementation and monitoring of compliance by farmers are crucial because many of them lack education. Their primary focus is on achieving higher yields, often overlooking the quality of the produce. Regulatory bodies can ensure proper practices," she emphasized.
On a related note, Chemist Wilford Jwalshik, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of ICCON, stated that the program aims to equip participants with accurate and reliable information, empowering them in their pursuit of chemical safety and security. Represented by Chemist Gonap James, Jwalshik highlighted the global concern for safe handling, storage, and transportation of chemicals, emphasizing the need to inform citizens on these matters.
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