Environmental Activist Warns Against ‘Junk Food Culture’, Calls for Decolonisation of Africa’s Food Systems

By: Michael Mike

Environmental activist Nnimmo Bassey has warned that the growing dominance of junk food, genetically modified crops and global market forces is undermining Africa’s food culture and deepening the politics of hunger.

Bassey made the remarks on Thursday during the Sustain-Ability Academy session on Food, Power and the Politics of Hunger, hosted by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation in collaboration with the University of Port Harcourt.

He stressed that food occupies a central place in cultural identity and social life, noting that across Nigeria and other societies, food traditions reflect the diversity and history of different communities.

According to him, food goes beyond satisfying hunger and serves as a powerful symbol of acceptance, celebration and communal belonging.

“Food unites people and families and marks one’s acceptance in a home, family or community,” he said.

Bassey traced the evolution of food systems in Nigeria, noting that cross-cultural exchanges, commerce and colonial influence had spread many local and foreign cuisines across the country and the world.

However, he warned that the increasing global spread of fast foods and processed diets was fostering what he described as a “junk culture,” driven largely by the modern obsession with instant gratification.

He criticised the growing popularity of fast-food outlets, saying their flashy environments, loud music and entertainment distractions encourage people to consume highly processed meals containing harmful additives without reflection.

The activist also expressed concern about political leaders publicly promoting junk food and sugary drinks, arguing that such behaviour sends the wrong signal and normalises unhealthy food habits.

Beyond fast food, Bassey raised alarm over the growing presence of genetically modified crops in Nigeria’s agricultural system, describing them as “Frankenstein foods” introduced through global market pressure.

He argued that many genetically engineered crops are designed to tolerate chemical pesticides or produce insecticides, raising questions about long-term health and environmental implications.

According to him, food systems have increasingly become a geopolitical arena where powerful economic interests shape what people grow and eat.

“Poverty, wars, debt and cultural manipulation create pathways for food colonialism to take root,” he said, warning that global control of food systems could weaken local agriculture and threaten indigenous food heritage.

Bassey called for the “decolonisation” of Africa’s food systems through the preservation of indigenous crops, protection of seed-sharing traditions and renewed support for smallholder farmers.

He also urged policymakers to confront the deeper causes of hunger on the continent, noting that food insecurity is not simply the result of low production.

In Nigeria, he observed, a significant portion of food produced is lost to waste, while structural issues such as weak markets, global trade pressures and poverty continue to undermine local farmers.

Bassey emphasised that governments must critically examine who benefits from hunger and ensure that food policies prioritise fairness, justice and environmental sustainability rather than corporate profit.

The environmentalist urged stakeholders to rebuild resilient food systems that protect cultural heritage, strengthen local farming communities and guarantee food security for future generations.

Environmental Activist Warns Against ‘Junk Food Culture’, Calls for Decolonisation of Africa’s Food Systems

NESREA Seals Oyo-Based Chemical Company Over Untreated Waste Discharge

By: Michael Mike

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down Bond Chemicals Industries Limited in Oyo State for violating environmental regulations by allegedly discharging untreated industrial waste into the environment.

A statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of NESREA, Nwamaka Ejiofor said, the enforcement action followed a public complaint that raised concerns about pollution from the facility.

She noted that the complaint was subjected to independent verification before officials moved in to investigate the allegations.

Ejiofor revealed that a compliance inspection conducted by officials of NESREA’s South West Zonal Office on February 18, 2026, uncovered serious environmental breaches at the facility. Inspectors discovered that the company was operating without a functional Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), a critical requirement for industries that generate wastewater.

The inspection team also found that untreated wastewater with a strong offensive odour was being released directly into the surrounding environment, an action that violates national environmental standards and poses potential risks to public health and nearby ecosystems.

She said following the discovery, NESREA issued immediate directives to the company to halt the pollution by installing and operating an effective effluent treatment system in accordance with regulatory requirements. The company was also instructed to obtain the necessary environmental permits to regularise its operations.

Ejiofor however said a subsequent inspection revealed that the company had failed to comply with the directives issued.

As a result, NESREA sealed the facility in exercise of its statutory powers to halt further environmental damage and safeguard the health of residents in the affected area.

The Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to enforce environmental compliance across the country, warning that industries must adhere strictly to environmental regulations designed to protect communities and natural resources.

Barikor stressed that companies operating in Nigeria are required to install and properly operate pollution control equipment, noting that failure to do so would attract strict enforcement measures.

He added that the agency would continue to intensify monitoring and compliance checks nationwide and would not hesitate to impose sanctions on any facility found violating environmental laws.

NESREA stated that the chemical company will remain sealed until it fully complies with the agency’s directives and meets all regulatory requirements.

Ejiofor in the statement, said further investigations and compliance monitoring by the agency are ongoing.

NESREA Seals Oyo-Based Chemical Company Over Untreated Waste Discharge

Troops, NDLEA arrest suspected drug peddler in Yobe raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and local vigilante groups have arrested a suspected drug peddler during a raid operation in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:00 p.m. on March 16 in the Takari general area, based on credible intelligence on illicit drug activities.

According to the sources, troops of the 159 Battalion, alongside NDLEA operatives and vigilante members deployed in Gashua, conducted the coordinated raid which led to the arrest of the suspect.

Items recovered during the operation include seven wraps of suspected cannabis sativa and other illicit substances.

“The suspect was apprehended during the raid, while the recovered exhibits have been secured for further investigation,” the source said.

He added that the suspect and the seized drugs had been handed over to the NDLEA for further action in line with existing laws.

Troops, NDLEA arrest suspected drug peddler in Yobe raid