VMAP hosted a hybrid workshop on 2nd July, 2024 with the aim of addressing the misuse and abuse of pesticides and agrochemicals by grain and vegetable merchants so as to curb its ripple effects in food safety. The engagement had in attendance representatives of different markets associations across Lagos state as well as other key stakeholders in the industry such as CROPLIFE, PECAN, WAIDA, NAIDA and all Farmers association. A total of 73 participants were in attendance physically while 37 participants attended virtually.
WELCOME ADDRESS
In her welcome address, the Director VMAP, on the use and misuse of pesticides and other chemicals, she emphasized that the misuse of pesticides has emerged as a pressing issue with profound implications for public health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural resilience
She said that while these chemicals are indispensable for safeguarding crops against pests and diseases, their inappropriate application can result in severe risks such as respiratory ailments and skin irritations to organ damage and potentially long-term implications such as cancer and in some cases death, and also a threat to food safety, food security and the environment. She urged the audience to become ambassadors in their respective domains with regards to the safe and proper use of pesticides in accordance with their intended purposes and in compliance with prescribed label specifications to prevent residues in or on food and the environment. She highlighted NAFDAC’s commitment to delivering quality services and ensuring the availability of safe products to Nigerians. She further called for a collective effort in the use and misuse of pesticides and other chemicals.
In conclusion, she thanked the audience and encouraged fruitful engagement and deliberation.
OPENING REMARK
The DG NAFDAC in her opening address said that pesticides play a pivotal role in the agricultural value chain, crucial for preventing and mitigating losses caused by pest infestations both pre-harvest and during prolonged storage. She stated that improper use of these products can pose significant health risks to both humans and animals through the consumption of contaminated agricultural produce such as beans, crayfish, stockfish, and grains. She also spoke about how the misapplication of agricultural pesticides directly onto food items has heightened these risks, resulting in instances where pesticide residues exceed Maximum Residue Limits (MRL), leading to export rejections and endangering public health.
She highlighted NAFDAC’s efforts such as continuous sensitization programs, on-going training of agro-input dealers nationwide, NAFDAC and Your Health TV series, ban on 100ml Dichlorvos pack-size etc. she pointed out that the workshop exemplifies NAFDAC’s commitment to enhancing stakeholder engagement and disseminating knowledge, empowering participants with critical insights to effectively mitigate the risks linked to pesticides and pesticide residues.
In conclusion she called on all esteemed stakeholders to actively engage and participate attentively in the discussions. She told the stakeholders that their partnership and proactive efforts are invaluable in advancing NAFDAC’s mission to protect the health and well-being of our nation.
She thanked participants for their commitment to this crucial cause, reiterating that united efforts guarantee success.
GOODWILL MESSAGES:
There were goodwill messages from the heads or representatives:
- CROPLIFE
- Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN)
- West Agro-Input Dealers Association (WAIDA)
- Iddo Market Association
- All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN)
- Nigerian Agro-Input Dealers Association (NAIDA)
The directors of FSAN, CER, LSO and the DDi/c Central Lab Oshodi, were also in attendance and gave goodwill messages.
TECHNICAL SESSION
Two presentations were made during the technical session;
- Pesticide Management in Food Chain
- Good Storage Practices of Food with emphasis on Distributors, Retailers and Household
1. PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT IN FOOD CHAIN: Delivered by Mr. Victor Nwoye
Presenter gave an overview of the role pesticides play in protecting crops from pest and diseases and ensuring higher yields and better-quality produce.
He said chemical pesticide residues in food is a growing concern in food chain management. He also stated that pesticides pose serious risks to human health and safety due to their widespread use.
The presentation highlighted the following;
- NAFDAC Regulatory Activities on Pesticide and Agrochemicals
- Pesticide Management at Farm, Warehouse, Retail and Household Level
- Abuse And Misuse of Pesticide in Food Chain
- Health Implication
- Alternatives To Chemical Pesticide
- Update on Recently Banned Pesticides
2. GOOD STORAGE PRACTICES OF FOOD WITH EMPHASIS ON DISTRIBUTORS, RETAILERS AND HOUSEHOLD: Delivered by Dr Okafor representing Mrs. Eva Edwards (Director, FSAN)
The Presentation gave an overview of the role, Good Storage Practices of Food plays on the quality and safety of Food. She stated that by following good storage practices; distributors, retailers, and households can ensure food safety, minimize waste, and prevent contamination.
The presentation highlighted the following;
- Importance of Temperature Control
- Cleanliness
- Display and Storage
- Hygiene Practices
Discussions
During the session, questions were asked by the stakeholders, there was active participation by the online members. The questions were exhaustively answered with excellent contributions from the DVMAP and other NAFDAC staff present.
The stakeholders present appreciated NAFDAC for organizing the program. However, the representatives of markets associations requested that NAFDAC should reciprocate this gesture by carrying out the sensitization program in their markets which according to them will go a long way in educating their members. They promised to mobilize their members and give their full support for the success of the program. They also requested that, the Agency should also provide alternatives to these chemicals that most of their members used in preserving the grains.
Closing Remarks
The closing remark was delivered by the Director VMAP. She appreciated all participants for creating time to attend the meeting as it has been an investment in building capacity against the fight on Antimicrobial Resistance.
The meeting came to an end at 2:15pm with the singing of the National Anthem.
Thank you
Dr. Rametu Momodu, FPSN.
Director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products
