By Simeon Shodimu
Amid growing concerns over food safety, export rejections, and the misuse of agrochemicals, stakeholders in Nigeria’s agrofood sector are intensifying calls for sweeping regulatory reforms. At the forefront is CropLife Nigeria, which is advocating a comprehensive pesticide law to standardise practices, protect consumers, and align the country with global residue benchmarks.
Stakeholders at the 2026 CropLife Nigeria AGM in Lagos advocate stricter pesticide regulation and improved compliance with global residue standards to enhance food safety and export competitiveness.
The Agrofood professionals under the umbrella of CropLife Nigeria have renewed calls for the enactment of a comprehensive pesticide bill to regulate the nation’s agrochemical industry and strengthen awareness around Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in food production.
The appeal formed the highlight of deliberations at the association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, where industry players also stressed the urgent need for mandatory training and certification of agro-dealers, extension workers, and other value chain operators.
Outgoing President of CropLife Nigeria, David Achimugu, noted that the proposed legislation is designed to close existing gaps in pesticide management—from product registration to field application—while promoting adherence to Good Agricultural Practices.
According to him, such a legal framework would not only standardise operations but also enhance Nigeria’s credibility in global agricultural trade. He emphasised that the absence of a unified law has contributed to recurring issues, including food contamination and the rejection of Nigerian agricultural exports due to excessive pesticide residues.
Achimugu revealed that, in response to these challenges, CropLife Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), had initiated targeted training programmes for agrochemical dealers nationwide, covering multiple regions to improve compliance and technical knowledge.
On industry sensitisation, the newly elected Vice President, Moses Mordi, said the association has stepped up engagement with stakeholders on MRL compliance, particularly in relation to varying international standards.
He explained that exporters must understand that residue limits differ across markets such as Europe and the United States, making it essential to tailor practices to destination requirements. Beyond exports, he added, MRL compliance also has significant implications for domestic food safety, citing instances involving cowpea and improper pesticide application practices.
Mordi further urged government authorities to strengthen regulatory oversight, insisting that a formal pesticide law would provide the structure needed to address persistent industry challenges.
Echoing similar concerns, Founding President of the association, Patrick Ikemefuna, described Nigeria’s lack of a comprehensive pesticide law as a major structural weakness. He warned that failure to align with internationally accepted standards—such as those set by Codex Alimentarius—could continue to undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian produce in global markets.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by CropLife Nigeria to train farmers and dealers, Ikemefuna maintained that voluntary compliance alone is insufficient for a country of Nigeria’s size and complexity. He stressed that only robust regulation can ensure uniform adherence across the sector.
The AGM also marked a leadership transition, with Martins Awofisayo elected as President, alongside Moses Mordi as Vice President and Dr Abdullahi Ndarubu as Chairman of the Technical Committee.
As stakeholders look ahead, the consensus remains clear: without a comprehensive legal framework and sustained education across the value chain, Nigeria risks compromising both food safety and its agricultural export potential.
