The National Assembly has assured the Coalition Against Paraquat (CAP) that it will collaborate with the group in ensuring legislations that will ban the use of harmful herbicide, paraquat, from the Nigerian market.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, gave the assurance during a dinner organised by CAP with the theme: “Let’s Unite to Save the Nigerian Farmer and Environment from Paraquat Toxicity” held in Abuja.
“As members of the legislature, we are committed to supporting members of the coalition by working together to ensure that appropriate legislations are put in place to ensure that paraquat and other herbicides that hurt both the health of our farmers and the environment are removed from our markets,” he was quoted in a statement by the group.
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Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Yahaya Kuta of CAP described paraquat as a necessary evil.
He said that though the chemical was important, it has negative effects on the environment and humans.
Prof. Simon lrtwange said they could not overlook the negative impact of the chemical, assuring that the group will keep the advocacy on until it is outlawed in the country.
The statement also added that CropLife Nigeria has initiated and proposed to NAFDAC to ban Paraquat and initiate a gradual withdrawal of the product through a 4-5 year moratorium.
The dinner was attended by the chairman, AFAN BoT and former governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Sani Nasir Gwarzo; a representative of Etsu Nupe; President of Weed Science Society of Nigeria, Prof. M.G. Kolo; among other stakeholders.
