The Director-General of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology NARICT, Kabiru Mu’azu, has advised dealers and distributors of agricultural pesticides to prioritize the use of personal and public protective equipment while handling chemicals.
Mu’azu gave the advice while speaking with journalists in Zaria.
He expressed concern over the increasing risks associated with the way people interact with chemicals in their daily activities, noting that improper handling poses serious threats to human health and the environment.
The NARICT Director-General urged farmers and pesticide users to develop the habit of reading and strictly following instructions written on pesticide labels to safeguard their health and ensure safe application.
Mu’azu also lamented the preference for foreign chemical products over locally manufactured alternatives, despite the quality and effectiveness of Nigerian-made products.
He stressed the need to support local research and innovations capable of promoting national development, environmental protection, and economic growth.
The Director-General further emphasized the importance of utilizing scientific research findings to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen the nation’s industrial development.
Abdu Jibirin Zaria
