Pesticides have emerged as a significant threat to public health and the environment globally, with over 385 million deaths attributed to them, especially affecting regions like Africa and the Global South. In Nigeria, the lack of data on pesticide-related deaths, highlighted by tragic events such as the Endosulfan-related deaths in Benue state, underscores the urgent need for intervention.

• Challenges Identified:
  • Lack of awareness among farmers and consumers regarding the chemicals used.
  • Inadequate reading and understanding of product labels by farmers.
  • Unsafe application of pesticides, leading to residues in soil, water, and crops.
  • Limited availability of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for farmers.
  • Insufficient healthcare facilities in farming communities.
  • Underutilization of traditional biological pest control methods.
• Recommendations for Robustness:
  • Expand registration requirements for manufacturers to provide safety precautions and equipment.
  • Reduce license registration validity from five to three years.
  • Prohibit license transfer without agency approval.
  • Increase penalties for violations.
  • Introduce toxicity and product class sections in pesticide registration regulations.