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‘Sniper Causes Cancer, Deaths’, NAFDAC Warns Against Use For Food Preservation

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2024

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has once again warned Nigerians about the hazardous practice of using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items.

Specifically, the agency has banned and emphasized the dangers associated with dichlorvos, a chemical commonly utilised by traders to safeguard food from spoilage.

In a statement signed by Resident Media Consultant to NAFDAC, Sayo Akintola on Sunday, the agency showed concerns over the recent viral video showing individuals using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items like beans, stockfish, and crayfish.

“The sale of small volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less), sold as Sniper® has been banned since 2019 while the sale of the large volume (one litre) is limited to certified agrochemicals outlets. NAFDAC underscores the toxicity of dichlorvos to human health, cautioning that its use can have fatal consequences.”

The Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, urged traders and merchants to desist from using unauthorized chemicals on food meant for human consumption.

She said: “The misuse of dichlorvos poses significant risks to human health, manifesting in both short-term and long-term consequences. Long-term exposure can result in severe health implications, including developmental abnormalities in offspring, memory loss, reduced fertility, and potential carcinogenic effects.

“These adverse effects highlight the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with dichlorvos exposure.”

Similarly, the Director of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Products (VMAP), Dr Rametu Momodu, reiterated that using certain chemicals, especially pesticides, to protect grains and prevent beans from having weevils is not approved.

She explained that there are approved pesticides for use as fumigants, which should be used according to the manufacturer’s specifications on the product label.

She stressed that these products should not be applied directly to food due to their inherent dangers to human health.

Momodu further elaborated that consuming food contaminated with dichlorvos can cause dizziness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, and convulsions, and in some cases, can lead to coma and death.

She warned that once used, pesticide residues remain on or in the food, posing significant health risks. Washing the food does not mitigate the risk, as the harmful substance would have already soaked into it.

She emphasised that the Agency cannot recommend washing as a solution, as it gives a false sense of security.

“Instead, she urged grain merchants, market vendors, and farmers to adhere strictly to manufacturer guidelines and refrain from directly applying dichlorvos to beans and other foodstuffs. It should be used as intended, either as a field crop treatment or a fumigant, to ensure food safety”, she said.

Momodu also advised consumers to avoid buying from vendors known to use such practices and to report them to the nearest NAFDAC office for appropriate sanctions.

NAFDAC DG, Adeyeye further emphasized alternative methods for preserving food, mentioning the use of bio-pesticides as a safer option than dichlorvos.

She noted that food remaining unspoiled for an extended period might indicate pesticide contamination rather than freshness unless stored in the refrigerator.

In addition to the banning of the 100 ml size bottle, the NAFDAC DG said the agency has implemented several initiatives such as stakeholders’ sensitization meetings on restricting the direct application of dichlorvos on grains and foodstuffs and thorough laboratory testing to ensure pesticide residues do not exceed maximum limits for both in-country consumption and for exports.

She said, “Routine monitoring of stakeholders is also conducted to ensure compliance.”

Adeyeye continued NAFDAC’s commitment to global best practices, including the phase-out of certain pesticides that have been banned in other countries due to proven toxicity.

She also acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers due to bans on various chemicals and emphasized the importance of transitioning to safer alternatives.

Addressing misconceptions about banned chemicals being dumped in Nigeria, she clarified that comprehensive lists have been provided to the media to dispel such notions.

News

86 Years Memorial Of Capt. Sir Walter Ededuna Obaseki

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

In loving, ever green and very precious 86 years memorial of our grand patriarch,
His Excellency,
The right honourable,
the most distinguished ambassador
Capt. Sir Walter Ededuna Obaseki (A.K.A Okhien’Ewere)
GBE GCB GCMG KCB KBE CBE OM CH PC DSO
Head of Hovernment
British Administrator
and
Prime Minister in the British Nigerian Government.
Governor of the British Board of Trade.
Captain of the British Merchant navy.

World war II veteran
and a recipient of the world war II campaigns and gallantry medals of honour;

I. The 1939-1945 Star
II. Atlantic Medal
III. British War Medal
IV. Italy Star

Awarded to officers and seamen of the British merchant navy by HRM King George VI

Daddy, your good life is worthy of emulation

Your public works and legacy open great doors for us your descendants

You plotted the skies, mapped the land and chatted the oceans and high seas to threshold development in our great nation Nigeria. as a pioneer industrialist you successfully brought your people to understand and become part of the modern world governnent.

Ededuna Walter Obaseki together with the British established government agencies, built public facilities, institutions and parastatals of government and also brought law and order to the way things are done according to the standards of international best practice as we have it even in The international community.

Those who tried to steal your glory and change the true position of things failed woefully, their evil craftsmanship have since been exposed to everyone because the truth cannot be hidden completely forever.

May your memory never ever go to oblivion!

Just as it is written in The Holy Book

Proverbs 10: 7.
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Psalm 112: 6.
The Righteous Shall be remembered forever!

Signed:

The Scion of Sir Walter Ededuna Obaseki;
Mercy Ededuna Obaseki
for
The entire direct descendants of Capt. Sir Walter Ededuna Obaseki GCMG CBE DSO OM CH PC

News

UBTH CMD Marks 120 Days In Office, Expresses Commitment To Providing Conducive Working Environment

Published

3 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu on Tuesday reiterated her commitment to providing a conducive working environment for all staff members.

She spoke at a management and staff assembly, which marked her first 120 days in office.

Speaking during the assembly, Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed her commitment to providing exceptional leadership and called on all UBTH employees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their duties.

The CMD highlighted key achievements and milestones attained since assuming office on August 18th.

She thanked the staff for their dedication and commitment to caring for and serving humanity, emphasizing that UBTH’s functionality relies on their continued efforts.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu also outlined significant interventions made within the hospital under her leadership, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 160-Slice CT Scan Machine, among other advancements aimed at enhancing the hospital’s capabilities and service delivery.

She noted that her administration has prioritized inclusion, accountability, and a renewed sense of direction.

“As we move into 2026, every HOD, unit, and department must develop their own actionable plans and timelines for achieving objectives in tandem with the UBTH-CARES agenda.

“These plans should be practical, measurable, and aligned with the broader hospital vision, ensuring consistent progress across all units.

“We seek the full support, commitment, and collaboration of all staff to sustain and build upon the achievements already recorded.

“My dear colleagues, UBTH stands at a defining moment. The vision is clear, and the challenges are real, but the possibilities are greater.

“Let us move forward together with unity, professionalism, and renewed trust – to build an institution worthy of its history and prepared for its future.” Ize-Iyamu said.

The CMD’s address underscored her vision of UBTH as a citadel of excellence, impelled by a workforce characterized by both professional competence and resolute application.

This continuing commitment to service improvement showcases her deep resolve towards the refinement of healthcare delivery mechanisms, thereby securing the hospital’s ongoing prosperity as captured in her Strategic Agenda ‘UBTH-CARES’

News

FIRS Confirms NIN As Tax ID

Published

7 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) now automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individual Nigerians.

The announcement was made on Monday as part of a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws, shared by the FIRS on X.

The Service further stated that registered businesses will no longer need a separate Tax ID. Instead, their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will function as their official tax identifier under the revised system.

The clarification comes amid public concerns over provisions in the new tax laws requiring a Tax ID for certain transactions, including bank account ownership.

According to the FIRS, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), set to take effect in January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for specific transactions.

The Service emphasized that this requirement is not new, noting that it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and has now been reinforced under the NTAA.

“The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” the Service said.

“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”

The FIRS explained that the new system aims to simplify taxpayer identification, eliminate duplication, prevent tax evasion, and ensure fairness by making sure all individuals with taxable income contribute their share.

The Service also urged the public to ignore any misinformation about the reform, assuring Nigerians that the updated tax framework is intended to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.