NAFDAC: Dichlorvos Still Sold in Nigeria Markets Despite Ban

• Despite a 2019 ban by NAFDAC, small-volume dichlorvos insecticides like DD Force and Sniper are still widely sold in Nigerian open markets.
• A 31-year-old mother and her five-month-old baby suffered acute toxicity after using DD Force for home pest control in Delta State.
• NAFDAC prohibited the importation, manufacture, and hawking of 100ml dichlorvos formulations and set deadlines for their removal from general retail.
• An investigation confirmed the continued availability of these banned products in various market settings.
• NAFDAC warns that these pesticides contain organophosphates and other toxic substances causing respiratory, skin, and neurological issues.

Despite these clear regulatory directives and the NAFDAC banned dichlorvos Nigeria markets policy, an investigation conducted by Saturday PUNCH revealed that products containing dichlorvos, including brands like NOPEST, DD Force, and Sniper, remain readily available for purchase in various open markets, food markets, and provision stalls across the country.

Despite existing prohibitions on specific agrochemicals, a recent report from November 14, 2026, reveals that numerous restricted products continue to be openly sold across Nigerian markets, often purchased by households for domestic pest control. This persistent availability poses significant public health risks, as illustrated by a distressing incident in Ibusa, Delta State. Patience Okorie, a 31-year-old mother, and her five-month-old infant suffered acute toxicity after she employed an insecticide known as DD Force to fumigate her residence against common household pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches.

Following the use of the product, both Okorie and her baby developed respiratory symptoms, leading to a diagnosis of acute toxicity at a local general hospital. This case underscores the severe health hazards associated with the improper application of agricultural chemicals, particularly when substances designed for crop protection are utilized within residential settings. Insecticides, while effective for pest management, can inflict serious harm if not handled with strict adherence to safety guidelines or when used for purposes other than their intended application.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has, since 2019, implemented a comprehensive ban on the sale of small-volume dichlorvos formulations, specifically those packaged in 100ml or smaller containers, which include popular brands such as Sniper and DD Force. Furthermore, NAFDAC banned the importation and manufacture of these 100ml agricultural formulations of Dichlorvos with immediate effect. The agency also immediately prohibited the hawking of all agrochemical formulations, aiming to control their distribution.

In 2019, NAFDAC provided a two-month grace period, extending until August 31, for brand owners and distributors to recall and remove their products from open markets and supermarkets lacking designated garden corners or shelves, directing them to accredited agro-dealer outlets. Consequently, the sale of Sniper insecticide and other Dichlorvos brands in open markets and supermarkets nationwide was officially prohibited from September 1, 2019. A subsequent six-month moratorium was granted until January 1, 2020, allowing brand owners to deplete existing stock held by accredited agro-input dealers. Beyond dichlorvos, NAFDAC's regulations also encompass a wide array of other banned chemicals, including Aldrin Insecticide, DDT Insecticide, Lindane, Parathion, and Endosulphan Acaricide, among many others.

Despite these clear regulatory directives and the NAFDAC banned dichlorvos Nigeria markets policy, an investigation conducted by Saturday PUNCH revealed that products containing dichlorvos, including brands like NOPEST, DD Force, and Sniper, remain readily available for purchase in various open markets, food markets, and provision stalls across the country. This continued circulation directly contradicts the Nigeria pesticide regulation enforcement efforts and highlights significant challenges in ensuring agrochemical compliance Nigeria.

NAFDAC has consistently issued warnings regarding the inherent dangers of certain pesticides, noting their composition of organophosphates and other toxic substances. These chemicals are known to trigger a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory disorders, skin irritation, and neurological problems. The experience of Patience Okorie, who gave birth in February 2025 and whose baby was later diagnosed with malaria before the incident, serves as a stark reminder of the potential for severe health consequences when these prohibited substances are misused in domestic environments, reinforcing the critical need for stricter enforcement of the Sniper insecticide NAFDAC prohibition and the broader DD Force insecticide ban Nigeria.

Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients in the agrochemical supply chain (importers, distributors, retailers) on strict adherence to NAFDAC's ban on dichlorvos and other specified pesticides to mitigate regulatory penalties and product liability risks arising from their continued illegal sale and use.

Source: Original reporting via Chijioke Iremeka for Saturday PUNCH