NAFDAC Seeks Investments in Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called on investors to feel free to invest in the Nigerian agricultural sector. The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, made the call in a statement issued by the resident media consultant of NAFDAC, Mr Olusayo Akintola. Specifically, Adeyeye faulted the claim that 40 per cent of the registered brands of pesticide products in Nigeria were banned or restricted for use by the European Union. According to her, all the pesticides approved for use by NAFDAC in Nigeria are also in use in other parts of the world. Furthermore, the DG assured Nigerians that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that food products available to them are safe and wholesome. She noted that NAFDAC in the last four years of her administration has been repositioned to effectively regulate all agricultural inputs such as pesticides, and agrochemicals amidst other regulated products. “The quality and safety of the inputs have a direct impact on the food from the farms and the health of humans, animals, and plants in line with the federal government agenda and investment in agriculture. “The agency wishes to encourage investors to consider investing in agricultural production so that the creation of jobs and the ability to feed ourselves as a nation without depending too much on the foreign exchange can be achieved. ‘’It is noteworthy that a lot of regulatory activities have been carried out to ensure that all inputs regulated by NAFDAC required in the production of food are safe, efficacious and of the right quality. “Local production of food is highly encouraged, in the last four years, and NAFDAC has reviewed her regulations, guidelines and strengthened collaboration with the Ministry, Department and Agencies (MDA) and other stakeholders to ensure effective regulations. Such collaborative efforts have been recorded in agrochemicals regulation, NAFDAC has reviewed the safety of all registered agrochemicals in Nigeria in consultation with relevant stakeholders,” the statement read in part. Also, Adeyeye said a four-year initiative has been rolled out to phase out obsolete and hazardous agrochemicals in the country. According to her, the 100ml pack size of Dichlorvos was already banned due to inappropriate use and about 30 other pesticides have been banned in Nigeria. Adeyeye, therefore, advised the general public to visit the NAFDAC website for details of banned pesticides while encouraging prudent and responsible use of pesticides and agrochemicals in farming and other agriculture-related activities.
Agro Nigeria
