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Agric Minister Raises Alarm On Influx Of Fake Pesticide In Nigeria

Ebuka Daniel

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Sabo Nanono has raised the alarm on the influx of fake and contraband pesticides products in the Nigerian markets.

Speaking at a multi-stakeholders workshop on the Proposed Bill for the Establishment of the Nigerian Pesticides Council, the Minister said that the activities of counterfeiters have continued to spread as a result of huge market for agrochemicals in Nigeria.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ernest Umakhihe noted that the continuous use of fake and contraband pesticide products has continued to pose serious dangers to both the farmers and the environment.

He said, “Agrochemicals are widely used in Nigeria, starting from seed dressing before planting to storage, marketing and distribution of grains.

“As a ministry, we are committed to ensuring that the Agrochemical being produced, distributed and marketed in the country conforms with internationally acclaimed standards.”

Speaking further, the Minister noted that the sales of fake products have continued to thrive due to the absence of a regulatory framework.

He stated that the Ministry is determined to follow through with the enactment and subsequent signing into law, the proposed draft bill for the establishment of the Nigerian Pesticide Council.

“The bill will sanitize the Agrochemical industry from counterfeiters with fake and contraband pesticides products which had found its way into the Nigerian markets.

“The law will brazenly empower the ministry to sanitize the agrochemical industry through issuing appropriate license to the genuine pesticides manufacturers, importers, sellers and distributors while expanding the revenue base of the government and boosting investors confidence in the industry,” he said.

The Chairman, House Committee on Agric Production and Services, Muntari Dandutse, in his remark assured that the legislature will ensure the speedy passage of the bill.

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