By George Omagbemi
A disturbing food-safety crisis is unfolding in Nigeria as regulators, health scientists and consumer advocates warn that widespread food adulteration and contamination could expose millions of Nigerians to serious health risks.
Experts raised the alarm at a food-safety summit in Lagos, where concerns were expressed over weak enforcement and the continued circulation of potentially harmful food products. Among the practices previously identified by regulators are the use of calcium carbide to force-ripen fruits, toxic substances in food processing and poor hygiene throughout production and distribution.
The danger is particularly worrying because many contaminated products enter informal markets, where consumers may have little ability to determine whether what they are buying is safe.
Recent research has also documented concerns over chemical contamination across Nigeria’s food system, including exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and hydrocarbons associated with agricultural, industrial and mining activities.
NAFDAC and other regulators have intensified surveillance and public education, but experts say enforcement must go beyond occasional raids and product seizures.
For millions of Nigerians struggling with rising food prices, the question is increasingly simple: Can Nigerians trust the food on their tables?
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