NAFDAC Launches Media Blitz in Bauchi to Curb Dangers of Fake Agricultural Chemicals
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Bauchi State is set to roll out an aggressive media awareness campaign to enlighten both sellers and users of agricultural chemicals on safety practices and the importance of using approved products.
Alhaji Hamis Yahaya, the Bauchi State Coordinator of NAFDAC, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, stressing that the initiative is crucial as the rainy season begins.
He explained that the campaign would target markets and rural communities, educating traders and farmers on the risks of purchasing unregulated chemicals and the dangers of improper handling.
“Exposing chemicals to direct sunlight can reduce their potency and even trigger harmful reactions,” Yahaya warned. “Improper disposal of chemical containers and misuse can also lead to serious health and environmental consequences.”
To ensure widespread reach, NAFDAC is collaborating with the Bauchi State Ministry of Information and various radio stations to amplify the message. The agency aims to empower sellers with correct information so they can pass it on to end-users.
The campaign has already kicked off with a sensitisation outreach at Soro Weekly Market in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA). The event drew major chemical dealers and farmers, offering critical insights into current market practices.
Yahaya also disclosed that NAFDAC has engaged the Forum of Agrochemical and Pesticide Dealers to discuss the legal registration of products, encouraging Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to register with the agency.
“We want all stakeholders involved in the distribution and use of agrochemicals to understand their responsibilities. Registering their products with NAFDAC is not only a legal requirement—it is a public safety imperative,” he added.
The media campaign, Yahaya noted, will be a continuous effort to safeguard lives, improve agricultural productivity, and protect the environment.
