The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has completed a phased regulatory review that prohibits pesticides containing paraquat, chlorpyrifos and atrazine in Nigeria from 1 January 2026.
The prohibition follows a 2022 review of registered pesticide active ingredients using the NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS) database, scientific evidence and stakeholder input. Regulatory decisions considered risks to human health and the environment, national regulations and international requirements. Where risks could not be sufficiently managed, NAFDAC imposed restrictions, reclassification, phase-out or prohibition.
As of 1 January 2026, all applicable phase-out periods have ended. Affected products can no longer be manufactured, imported, distributed, sold or used in Nigeria.
NAFDAC has also restricted the 100 ml pack size of Dichlorvos (DDVP), prohibiting its importation, manufacture and sale in open markets and supermarkets following documented concerns regarding misuse on agricultural produce. Other permitted pack sizes remain subject to applicable regulatory controls.
Despite the completed phase-out, NAFDAC reports continued circulation of prohibited products. In 2025, the Agency seized banned agrochemicals worth over ₦800 million from Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States. Between September 2024 and July 2026, enforcement operations in the North-West Zone alone resulted in seizure, interception or custody of 2,974 cartons of paraquat-containing pesticides valued at approximately ₦148.7 million. Suspects were arrested and one is under prosecution.
During the same period, 120 cartons of chlorpyrifos-containing pesticides worth more than ₦17 million were seized. More recently, 5,619 cartons (67,428 litres) of banned paraquat and 500 cartons (5,000 kg) of banned atrazine were intercepted in Kebbi. NAFDAC states these interceptions indicate illegal importation, unauthorised local production and distribution beyond residual stocks.
The Agency has also intercepted packaging materials for illicit manufacture at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and, in July 2026, sealed four unauthorised manufacturing facilities in Bichi, Kano State, where officers found unlabelled products, bulk materials and packaging materials.
NAFDAC is increasing its Investigation and Enforcement Zonal Offices from three to six to cover all geographical zones, and strengthening collaboration with government institutions and law enforcement to share information, detect illegal pesticides and take enforcement action.
Sources
- Primary: National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) — https://nafdac.gov.ng/reaffirms-commitment-to-curb-illegal-pesticides-protect-food-safety-and-safeguard-nigerias-agricultural-future/
