Nigerians ignorant about food safety regulation — NAFDAC DG

Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has described Nigerians as "very ignorant," expressing concerns about their lack of understanding regarding food safety and pesticide regulation. Speaking to BusinessDay TV, Adeyeye highlighted that Nigerians often lack reading habits and fail to grasp the roles of agencies involved in food safety and pesticide control.

She explained that food safety regulation involves multiple government agencies from farm to fork, emphasizing that NAFDAC's mandate specifically covers processed and semi-processed foods, not fresh produce sold directly in markets. NAFDAC does not regulate oranges or other agricultural products sold in markets, stressing that their role is limited to ensuring the safe use of pesticides.

Adeyeye further revealed that NAFDAC collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture to train farmers on pesticide use, including application timing and post-treatment harvesting. The agency trains farmers on following label instructions, as inadequate understanding can lead to misuse of pesticides. She pointed out that around 56% of Nigerians are illiterate, which may contribute to improper pesticide use when they fail to comprehend label directions.

While NAFDAC trains farmers on pesticide usage, Adeyeye acknowledged that the Ministry of Agriculture bears the primary responsibility for educating farmers about these matters. Despite NAFDAC's obligation to assist with farmer education, the agency cannot reach all farmers due to Nigeria's vast farming population.