Officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have confiscated 551 cartons of banned pesticides worth over N800 million in Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States.

In a statement on X on Friday, NAFDAC said over 16 shops in those states were raided, leading to the discovery of banned agrochemical products being distributed.

The agency said, “NAFDAC has carried out a series of raids across Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States. The Agency targeted shops found to be distributing banned agrochemical products, including Chlorpyrifos (banned Nov 1, 2024), Paraquat (banned Jan 1, 2024), and Atrazine (banned Jan 1, 2025).

“Over 16 outlets were inspected, resulting in the seizure of 551 cartons of banned pesticides, estimated at over ₦800 million,” NAFDAC stated.

According to NAFDAC, the hazardous chemicals are carcinogenic and can cause respiratory failure, liver and kidney damage, among other severe health issues.

The agency also stated that the presence of these substances in agricultural exports contributes to the rejection of Nigerian products in international markets.

NAFDAC, therefore, recommended safer alternatives such as “Flushout, Sharpshooter, and Best.”

The agency urged the public to remain vigilant by verifying product sources and reporting suspicious activities to its nearest office.