By Onyeka Ezike –
The founder of Voice of the Farmers, Afeez Olumide Garuba, has identified inadequate farmer education and poor adherence to safe agricultural practices as major factors fueling the growing incidence of food poisoning in Nigeria.
Garuba made the assertion while reacting to recent concerns raised by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, who disclosed that unsafe food accounts for more than 53,000 deaths annually, while an estimated 50 million Nigerians suffer from food-related illnesses each year.
Speaking on Villa Square, a special segment of Cr8tive 9ja, the weekly tourism and cultural magazine programme aired on Mainland 98.3 FM Lagos and anchored by veteran tourism journalist Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji, Garuba described the figures as a reflection of deep-rooted challenges within the nation’s food production and distribution system.
According to him, discussions around agriculture in Nigeria have largely focused on food security while neglecting the equally critical issue of food safety.
“Many people focus on food security rather than food safety,” Garuba said. “Whenever food-related issues come up, the conversation is usually centred on ensuring food availability, while food safety receives little attention. Food safety encompasses the entire value chain, from the farm to the consumer’s table, and every stakeholder has a role to play.”
The agricultural expert expressed concern over the misuse of fertilizers, pesticides and other agrochemicals by some farmers, warning that improper application often leaves harmful chemical residues in food products.
He explained that globally accepted agricultural standards require farmers to observe a mandatory withdrawal period after applying chemicals to crops before harvesting them for consumption.
“Unfortunately, because of greed and lack of professionalism, some farmers harvest their produce before the required withdrawal period elapses and rush the products to the market. Consumers unknowingly purchase these items and are exposed to dangerous chemical residues that can cause severe illnesses,” he said.
Garuba noted that similar practices are prevalent in livestock production, where animals treated with medications are sometimes sold before the recommended withdrawal period has passed, thereby exposing consumers to potential health risks.
He stressed that improving food safety requires a sustained awareness campaign targeted at farmers and other players across the agricultural value chain.
“Our objective is to create greater awareness about food safety and not just food security. We continue to educate farmers on proper handling, storage and application of agricultural inputs,” he said.
Garuba referenced the federal government’s fertilizer application guideline based on the “Four Rs” principle—using the Right source, at the Right time, in the Right place, and at the Right rate—as an important framework for promoting responsible farming practices.
Beyond the health implications, he pointed out that improper use of fertilizers and chemicals also imposes economic costs on farmers.
“It is not only about food poisoning. Farmers who apply excessive fertilizer in a bid to accelerate growth are also wasting resources and reducing profitability. Many simply lack adequate training, and ultimately consumers bear the consequences through health challenges,” he added.
Garuba called on government agencies, non-governmental organisations and agricultural stakeholders to intensify farmer education programmes while strengthening regulatory enforcement to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
“Food safety is everybody’s business,” he emphasized.
Also speaking on the programme, award-winning tourism journalist Frank Meke underscored the need for urgent policy interventions to tackle the growing food safety challenge.
Meke warned that the increasing prevalence of food poisoning poses a significant threat to public health, particularly among children and young people, and urged authorities to take proactive measures to address the problem.
In his concluding remarks, Garuba cautioned against excessive dependence on imported food products, advocating greater investment in local agricultural production and food safety systems.
He expressed optimism that with proper education, stronger regulation and greater commitment from stakeholders, Nigeria can build a safer and more sustainable food system while unlocking the full potential of its agricultural sector.
