The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with Mississippi State University (MSU), USA, has concluded a three-day training for its staff on the findings of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-sponsored research project titled Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Agricultural Produce Using Beans and Sesame Seeds in Nigeria as a Case Study.
The training enhanced participants’ capacity in pesticide residue surveillance, laboratory analysis, food safety risk assessment, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and evidence-based regulatory decision-making aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food safety system.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of the Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Special Assistant to the DG (Lagos), Dr. Gbenga Fajemirokun, stated that the research identified Critical Control Points (CCPs) where pesticide residues enter the food value chain, enabling regulators to better detect and prevent contamination.
He noted that the initiative builds on previous NAFDAC studies and is expected to strengthen regulatory measures, improve the safety of agricultural produce, and enhance Nigeria’s export competitiveness, particularly in supporting efforts to lift restrictions on Nigerian beans in international markets.
The training also reinforced the importance of collaboration among regulatory agencies, research institutions, development partners, and agricultural stakeholders in promoting safe pesticide use and protecting public health.
Goodwill messages from representatives of Mississippi State University and the USDA commended the partnership and encouraged participants to translate the research findings into practical regulatory actions that will improve pesticide management, strengthen food safety surveillance, and safeguard consumers across Nigeria.
