Leading agro-based organization, Croplife Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to championing the passage of the Pesticide Bill, a crucial legislation that aims at regulating the use of pesticides in Nigeria.
During its 2024 Annual General Meeting chaired by its President, Dr David Achimugu, the organisation resolved to intensify efforts in the pursuit of the bill in further partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
Alhaji Mahmoud Aliyu, the immediate past President, stressed the importance of the Pesticide Bill, which seeks to establish a robust framework for the safe use and regulation of pesticides. He revealed that the bill, currently domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, will be headed by the Minister of Agriculture and supported by a Pesticide Council, comprising NAFDAC and other relevant agencies.
The Meeting which also witnessed the retention of the hardworking executive committee (Exco) members, who have done excellently in advancing the organisation’a goals, highlighted the strides taken by the agro based group in the previous administration and calls for even more commitments to look after the interests of the industry.
The aim of the bill, according to Alhaji Mahmoud, is not to undermine NAFDAC’s efforts but to complement them and ensure a more comprehensive approach to pesticide regulation. He also stressed the need for collaboration and partnership with NAFDAC and other relevant stakeholders to achieve this goal.
While he sought collective effort and collaboration to address the challenges facing the industry, he pledged to continue championing the Pesticide Bill and working towards an improved administrative structure for the organization.
The Bill, if passed, will help regulate the use of pesticides, protect human health and the environment, and promote sustainable agriculture practices in Nigeria.
For over a decade, Croplife Nigeria has been at the fronts of the pesticide bill, with stakeholders and policymakers to ensure the safe use and regulation of pesticides.
