News
FG, Partners Launch Project to Tackle Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Nigeria
FG, Partners Launch Project to Tackle Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Ministry of Environment has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing the dangers posed by highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), which have been linked to poisoning, deaths, and serious public health risks in Nigeria.
The project, titled “Addressing Highly Hazardous Pesticides Responsible for Poisoning and Death in Nigeria for Improved Decision-Making and Effective Poisoning Prevention,” was formally introduced at an inception workshop in Abuja.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders to chart strategies for improved regulation, informed decision-making, and stronger prevention mechanisms to reduce pesticide-related harm.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment (, the Director of the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health (Balarabe Lawal), Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, underscored the urgency of addressing the issue, noting that pesticides classified as highly hazardous continue to circulate in Nigerian markets despite being banned or heavily regulated in Europe.
She said: “This project seeks to protect the health and well-being of our citizens, especially farmers and farmworkers who are most vulnerable to pesticide exposure,” she said. “HHPs are responsible for immense damage in many developing countries, yet they are still widely used in West Africa due to weak regulatory frameworks and ineffective enforcement.”
The initiative is funded by the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP), University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and is jointly implemented by the Federal Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, Health and Social Welfare, as well as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The Ministry of Environment is serving as the lead agency.
Abubakar explained that the project aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to implement the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), particularly target A7, which calls for the phase-out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035 where safer and affordable alternatives exist.
She highlighted that pesticide poisoning in Nigeria often occurs through intentional, accidental, or occupational exposure, with rural farming communities in low and middle-income countries most at risk. “Tracking suicide and suicidal behaviour is difficult due to stigma, inadequate reporting mechanisms, and the criminalization of suicide in Nigeria, which suppresses reporting,” she added.
Beyond health risks, the Director emphasized that excessive pesticide use has also triggered food safety concerns, leading to cases where Nigerian agricultural exports were rejected in international markets due to residues exceeding permissible limits.
To tackle these challenges, the project will promote the adoption of safer alternatives, including biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, alongside stricter regulation, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced capacity building for relevant stakeholders.
Abubakar commended the CPSP for its financial and technical support and thanked participating stakeholders for their commitment. “Let us make the most of this opportunity to drive positive change. Together, we can substantially. reduce pesticide poisoning and suicide deaths in Nigeria,” she said.
End
CP calls on residents to support security agencies in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani JJibrin, PSC, MSPSP, SM. ICM has called on residents of Yobe State to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable information.
He said the prevailing peace and security in the state can only be sustained through mutual trust, collaboration, and coordinated efforts among all security agencies.
CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin revealed this while receiving the newly posted state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CC Hassan Owuna, at his office.
He maintained that the command’s unwavering commitment to fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration through intelligence-led policing, joint security building, and other coordinated strategies aimed at preventing and combating crime, protecting critical national assets, and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
Earlier, the NSCDC Yobe State Commandant, CC Hassan Owuna, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the existing partnership between the police command and the NSCDC in Yobe State.
He emphasised the need for sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, and operational synergy among security agencies to effectively address emerging security challenges and enhance public safety.
CC Owuna expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his members of his management team.
CP calls on residents to support security agencies in Yobe
Yobe: Governor Buni confirms Goje as SSG
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has confirmed the acting secretary to the state government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, as the substantive secretary to the state government.
Before appointing him as the secretary to the state government, Dr. Mohammed Goje was the executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Dr. Mohammed Goje was appointed as the acting secretary to the Yobe State government on 29th April, 2026.
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON urged Dr. Mohammed Goje to justify his appointment as the substantive secretary to the state government through value addition to good governance and service delivery.
Yobe: Governor Buni confirms Goje as SSG
Woman Killed, Another Injured in Attack While Fetching Firewood in Plateau’s Mangu
By Zagazola Makama
One woman has been killed and another injured after suspected armed Fulani herders attacked two female villagers who had gone into the bush to fetch firewood in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 3 at Aloghom Village in Mangu LGA.
The sources said troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) swiftly responded to a distress call and moved to the scene, forcing the suspected attackers to flee before they could inflict further harm.
During a search of the area, the troops found the two victims, identified as Mrs. Priscilia Friday and Anna Obed Joseph, both with varying degrees of injuries.
The victims were immediately evacuated to Allah Nakowa Hospital for emergency treatment. However, medical personnel later confirmed Mrs. Priscilia Friday dead, while Anna Obed Joseph is receiving treatment.
Security sources said troops have intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while patrols have been reinforced around the affected community to prevent further attacks.
The latest incident adds to the growing wave of violence in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, where security forces have continued to respond to attacks on civilians, livestock and farmlands amid ongoing efforts to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Woman Killed, Another Injured in Attack While Fetching Firewood in Plateau’s Mangu
CP calls on residents to support security agencies in Yobe
Yobe: Governor Buni confirms Goje as SSG
Troops Impound 28 Livestock Over Illegal Grazing, Farm Destruction in Plateau’s Mangu
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