Nigeria imported 438,000 tons of pesticides and herbicides in 2020, an increase of roughly two-thirds compared with 2018, according to the nonprofit Alliance for Action on Pesticides in Nigeria (AAPN). More than half of these chemicals are classified as highly hazardous, and at least 40 percent cannot be sold in the European Union due to health concerns.

Bloomberg reported that products including mancozeb, imidacloprid, atrazine, and paraquat, banned in the EU, are widely available in Nigeria, with at least 450 deaths linked to pesticide exposure between 2008 and 2022.

Health experts have warned of the potential risks. Muhammad Kabir Musa, a public-health scientist at the University of Michigan, said there is substantial scientific evidence linking certain banned chemicals to cancer and neurological disorders.

Manufacturers and industry groups emphasise compliance with local regulations. Syngenta AG stated that paraquat remains an effective crop-protection tool and that it promotes safe use, while Bayer AG said it follows regulatory guidelines and provides safe-handling courses in the countries where its products are sold. UPL Ltd. did not respond to requests for comment. CropLife Nigeria, representing major pesticide producers, said it trains farmers on proper chemical usage and works with the government to identify counterfeit products.

Regulatory gaps have compounded the challenge. Nigeria’s government database on pesticide usage, import volumes, and manufacturers was recently shut down, limiting oversight. Bloomberg noted that enforcement of planned bans on paraquat and atrazine has been delayed, raising concerns about continued availability.

The AAPN is advocating for stronger regulation and transparency, including comprehensive lists of restricted products and legislative measures to phase out hazardous chemicals. Donald Ikenna Ofoegbu, the group’s coordinator, said proposed parliamentary measures to expand the influence of manufacturers could weaken existing restrictions.