The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned the use of methyl bromide as a fumigant in agro pest control.
The agency announced the ban on Wednesday on its website.
According to the statement signed by the director-general of NAFDAC, Moji Adeyeye, methyl bromide is toxic and dangerous to human health.
As a result, the agency has advised the general public and in particular agro-dealers on the ban of the use of the chemical as a fumigant in pest control.
Methyl Bromide is a colourless, odourless noncorrosive and non-flammable substance. It is highly toxic to a broad spectrum of insects from egg to the adult stage.
Mrs Adeyeye said: “The chemical is not meant to be in the country because Nigeria phased it out in January 2015. Nigeria effected the phase-out of methyl bromide by January 2015 and since then the product has not been permitted for importation into the country.”
According to her, the agency got information that some “unscrupulous individuals have been illegally importing Methyl Bromide for use as a pesticide in Nigeria.”
She said NAFDAC was carrying out surveillance to identifying the illegal importers. He said those caught would be severely sanctioned in line with extant laws.
The DG, however, warned farmers, exporters of agricultural produce and agro-input dealers to desist from using methyl bromide as a pesticide.
“Safer alternatives are available. Contact nearest NAFDAC office for advice on safer alternatives. Anybody in possession of Methyl Bromide should submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office.”
Methyl bromide is often used as a gas fumigant against insects, termites, rodents, weed, nematodes and soil borne diseases.
It can also be used to fumigate agricultural commodities, grains, elevators, mills, ships, clothes, furniture and greenhouses.
The substance was banned because it is a Class I Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS).
It depletes the Ozone layer due to the release of bromine atom upon the breakdown of the molecule.
In humans, brief exposure to high concentrations and prolonged inhalation of lower concentrations are problematic. (Premium Times)
