By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Health and Social Development, Environment, as well as non-governmental organisations and civil society groups to immediately conduct a nationwide review and inventory of Highly Hazardous Pesticides, HHPs, in circulation.
The lawmakers also urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to strengthen regulation, monitoring and enforcement of the importation, distribution, as well as use of pesticides, with particular attention to highly hazardous pesticides for the purpose of keeping the list of banned pesticides updated at all times across the country.
These were amongst the resolutions adopted in a motion entitled: “Stoppage and Mitigation of Risks Associated with the Use of Hazardous Pesticides Across Nigeria” moved during yesterday’s plenary by Clement Jimbo.
Presenting his lead debate, Jimbo expressed worry that continued inaction could undermine food security, across Nigeria, even as it might also endanger public health, as well as violate international obligations.
He disclosed that such negligence could also increase long term medical and ecological costs to the nation.
He said the House is cognisant that there are organic and agro ecological alternatives that are sustainable and economically viable.
Jimbo represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.
Shortly after his debate, the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu mandated the House Committees on Agricultural Production and Services along with that of Environment to liaise with relevant agencies and stakeholders for the purpose of developing a framework for the gradual phase out and eventual ban of HPS in the country.
The lawmakers mandated the committes to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
