Speeches

Inauguration Of Lagos State Steering Committee On The Nigeria–Africa Stockpiles Programme Nigeria (ASP)

Mar 5, 2009 - I am delighted to be here today on the occasion marking the inauguration of the Lagos State Steering Committee on the Nigeria – Africa Stockpiles Programme Nigeria (Nigeria – ASP). Let me quickly say that the event of today is just a confirmation of my administration’s desire to provide quality health to our citizens through qualitative environmental programmes and initiatives.

Pesticides, a substance or mixture of substances used to kill pest certainly have some benefits to man particularly in sub – Saharan Africa for farming, fishing and as an insecticide. Pesticide may be a chemical substance, biological agent (such as a virus or bacteria), antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any pest which includes but not limited to insects, plant pathogens, weeds, mollusks, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes (roundworms) and microbes that compete with humans for food, destroy property, spread or are a vector for disease or cause a nuisance. However, there is the other side of the usage of pesticides, such as potential toxicity to humans and other animals. That is, Pesticide usage raises a number of environmental concerns. At least over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target species, i.e. non-target species, air, water, bottom sediments, and food.

Furthermore, these obsolete pesticides which are often stored outdoors in leaking containers, seeps into the soil and water environment, turning potentially fertile soil into hazardous waste. In addition, containers of such substances are used for storage of water and food without recourse to the danger they pose to human health. Studies have revealed that each year, 3 million workers in agriculture in the developing world experience severe poisoning from pesticides, about which 18,000 die as a result. According to another study, as many as 25 million workers in developing countries may suffer mild pesticide poisoning yearly.

Additionally, many studies have indicated that pesticide exposure is associated with long-term health problems such as respiratory problems, memory disorders, dermatologic conditions, cancer, depression, neurological deficits, miscarriages, and birth defects. In an article in American Journal of Epidemiology of May 2008 issue, researchers confirmed that association between specific pesticides and incident diabetes ranged from a 20 percent to a 200 percent increase in risk.

I am excited by the move made by the African Stockpile Programme in collaboration with Nigeria – African Stockpile Programme coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban Development for the implementation of the project task with sole objective of reducing the risk of obsolete pesticides on humans and the Environment. In addition, I am reliably informed that there are about seven (7) units namely;
i. Inventory;
ii. Integrated Pest Management (IPM);
iii. Awareness and Public Education;
iv. Pesticide Management;
v. Containment and Safeguarding;
vi. Pesticide Registration, Regulation and Enforcement; and
vii. Country Environmental and Social Assessment (CESA) / Risk Assessment.

On our own part, the Lagos State Government is prepared to take the responsibility for dealing with obsolete pesticides and preventing their recurrence particularly some toxic substances popularly known as the dirty dozens( viz – a – viz aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex, toxaphene, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) group, dioxins and furans) which were outlawed by the Stockholm Convention. In the same vein, pesticides’ manufacturers and dealers must as a matter of responsibility to the environment and society at large, commit themselves to taking measures to prevent the accumulation of obsolete pesticides and containers in order to promote environmentally sustainable pest control methods, such as, Integrated Pest Management, that reduces pesticides usage.

In view of the laudable benefits of this programme, the Lagos State Steering committee on Nigeria – African Stockpile Programmes is made up by seasoned professionals who cut across Government Ministries and Non – Governmental Organizations. The committee is made up of representatives of the: -
i. Ministry of the Environment;
ii. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives;
iii. Ministry of Commerce and Industries;
iv. Ministry of Rural Development;
v. Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA);
vi. Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Network (NGO);
vii. Friend of the Environment (FOTE) (NGO);
viii. Office of Chief of Staff;
ix. Office of Information and Strategy; and
x. Lagos State Fishermen’s Association.

Your duties as members of this committee among others are to:
i. Identify the root cause for the accumulation of the stocks and adopt measures to ensure that no more stocks will accumulate;
ii. Inventorize publicly held obsolete pesticide stocks within the State;
iii. Identify not only the different types and amounts of pesticide formulations, but also the quantity of contaminated containers and equipment, contaminated soil and other materials that may need to be dealt with in order to deal with the problem as comprehensively as possible; and
iv. Ensure Pesticide safety education and pesticide applicator regulation are designed to protect the public from pesticide misuse.

It is therefore, on this note distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, that I formally launch the Lagos State Steering Committee on the Nigeria – Africa Stockpiles Programme Nigeria (Nigeria – ASP) to the glory of God and safety of all citizens in Lagos State.

Thank you for your attention and God bless.

Eko oni baje o!

Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor, Lagos State