Nigeria loses $363m yearly due to EU beans export ban – Coalition

AAPN

Nigeria loses $363 million annually due to the EU’s ban on bean exports caused by hazardous pesticide residues.

This was revealed by the Alliance for Action Against Pesticide in Nigeria (AAPN).

At a Thursday Abuja press conference, AAPN Co-Founder Prof. Simon Irtwange revealed that over 76% of Nigeria’s agricultural exports are rejected by the EU.

Irtwange  said the rejection was mainly because of pesticide residues from chemicals banned internationally but still allowed in Nigeria. 

He said the ban affects not only beans but also sesame seeds, melon seeds, dried fish, peanut chips, groundnut, palm oil and yam.

“Nigeria uses about 23,400 metric tonnes of pesticides annually.

“It also uses over 400 registered formulations—more than half are highly hazardous and banned in the EU, US and parts of Asia. 

“Over 80% of pesticides given to smallholder farmers are internationally banned.

“They pose serious health risks including respiratory problems, skin rashes, and potentially cancer and reproductive disorders.

“AAPN urges lawmakers and agricultural bodies to promote safer alternatives like bio-pesticides and organic fertilisers.

“We also urge enactment if legislation for better pesticide control, transparency and public safety,” he said.

AAPN Legal Lead,  Oreoluwa Adelakun condemned the ongoing distribution of toxic pesticides.

“They are harmful environmental and havehealth impacts on farmers and communities.

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