The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday resolved to strengthen the country’s food safety framework by prescribing harsher penalties for the use of harmful chemicals in food production.
The lawmakers also directed regulatory agencies to urgently enforce existing food safety standards through both legal and administrative channels.
The decision followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Joint Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Agricultural Services Production and Rural Development.
The report, titled “Urgent Need to Investigate and Halt Continuous Unwholesome Practices of Chemical Ripening of Fruits by Vendors in Nigeria,” detailed alarming practices by some food handlers across the country.
Presenting the findings, Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, Chairperson of the Joint Committee, said investigations revealed that fruit sellers are increasingly using raw calcium carbide, a toxic chemical, to artificially ripen fruits, a practice linked to serious health risks.
The report also highlighted other dangerous practices, including cooking meat with paracetamol to soften it, preserving grains with Dichlorvos (a pesticide), washing fruits and vegetables with detergents to enhance appearance, and soaking cassava in detergent or hypo solutions.
Senator Banigo cited alarming public health statistics, noting that Nigeria recorded over 14,000 cases of cholera in 2025, resulting in 378 deaths, while 119 people died from food-related Lassa fever infections.
She added that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates more than one million cases of foodborne illnesses occur in Nigeria annually, resulting in economic losses exceeding $3.6 billion.
In response, the Senate urged the Federal Government to strengthen food safety laws and enforcement mechanisms, directing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, as well as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), to lead campaigns on public awareness and compliance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasised that legislative oversight would ensure the recommendations are implemented.
“We will ensure that relevant agencies take up this task so that Nigerians are not exposed to harmful chemical practices in food handling and sales,” he said.
The resolution reflects the Senate’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring food production practices adhere strictly to safety standards, signaling a more proactive approach in tackling foodborne health risks in Nigeria.
