Phasing out Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Edo State, SEDI, others converge in Benin for practical action plans

By Isaac Eranga 

Agriculture remains a central pillar of Edo State’s economy, food security, and rural livelihoods. However, the continued and widespread use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) presents a growing threat to human health, environmental sustainability, and long-term agricultural productivity. These substances are associated with acute poisoning, chronic diseases, ecosystem degradation, soil infertility, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests.

Despite increasing global restrictions and international commitments to reduce pesticide-related risks, many HHPs remain readily accessible and widely used in Edo State due to affordability, limited awareness of alternatives, and weak regulatory enforcement. 

To this end, the Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) outlines possible risks posed by HHPs, highlights proven and context-appropriate alternatives, and proposes practical, phased actions the Edo State Government can adopt to support a just transition toward safer, more resilient agricultural systems.

According to SEDI through her Executive Director- Dr. Tom Aneni, said "decisive action will reduce preventable health burdens, protect biodiversity, improve food safety, strengthen market competitiveness, and align Edo State with national priorities and global sustainable development commitments.

According to Dr. Aneni, "agriculture remains a cornerstone of Edo State’s economy, food security framework, and rural livelihoods, with a significant proportion of households depending directly or indirectly on crop production and related value chains for their income and sustenance.

" However, the increasing reliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) presents significant risks to human health, environmental sustainability, and long-term agricultural productivity in the state.

"Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) are chemicals recognized internationally for their high acute or chronic toxicity, environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, or irreversible health impacts. According to the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, HHPs are those acknowledged to present particularly high levels of hazard to health and/or the environment, based on internationally accepted classification systems like the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). While HHPs are often viewed as quick solutions to pest problems, their continued use generates hidden costs that undermine public health, degrade ecosystems, and threaten food safety.

"In Edo State, like many other regions in Nigeria, there is a rising concern about the widespread use of these dangerous pesticides, which poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. The state faces several challenges in managing pesticide use effectively, with limited awareness among farmers and a lack of adequate training on the safe handling of chemicals. This misuse has led to widespread environmental degradation, including soil and water contamination, and has contributed to rising cases of pesticide poisoning among agricultural workers and local communities.

"Despite the growing recognition of these risks, the use of HHPs in Edo State persists due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived effectiveness in pest control. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of adequate regulatory frameworks and monitoring systems to control the use of these toxic chemicals. Furthermore, there is a dearth of alternative pest management practices that are locally appropriate and sustainable, which could significantly reduce the state’s reliance on harmful pesticides.

Speaking about public health implications in HHP use, Dr. Aneni said "Farmers and pesticide applicators face direct exposure during mixing, spraying, and handling of toxic chemicals, often without adequate protective gear. Acute health effects commonly reported include headaches, dizziness, nausea, skin irritation, respiratory distress, and, in severe cases, fatalities.

"Repeated low-dose exposure over time has been associated with chronic health conditions such as cancers, neurological disorders, hormonal disruption, kidney and liver damage, and reproductive health problems. These outcomes reduce productivity, increase healthcare costs, and place long-term pressure on households and health systems.

"Chemical residues on food crops sold in local markets also pose significant food safety risks, exposing consumers, including children and pregnant women, to cumulative dietary exposure".

In the area of environmental and agricultural implications, SEDI boss said highly hazardous pesticides adversely affect non-target organisms, including pollinators, natural pest predators, birds, aquatic species, and soil organisms. He said the decline of these species weakens ecosystem services essential for crop production and resilience.

"The destruction of beneficial soil microorganisms disrupts nutrient cycling, reduces soil organic matter, and contributes to declining soil fertility. Over time, this increases dependence on external inputs and reduces yield stability.

"Runoff, leaching, and improper disposal of pesticides contaminate surface and groundwater sources, threatening aquatic ecosystems and community water supplies. Excessive pesticide use also accelerates pest resistance and resurgence, locking farmers into a cycle of escalating chemical use and rising production costs".

On the socio-economic implications, SEDI has it that the treatment of pesticide-related illnesses increases household and public healthcare expenditures, diverting resources from other development priorities. In addition, failure to meet food safety and residue standards limits access to premium domestic and international markets, particularly for export-oriented crops.

"Women and children are disproportionately affected, as women often participate in farm labor and produce trading, while children living near farms face increased exposure due to biological vulnerability and limited protection".

In suggesting ways for viable and sustainable alternatives to Highly Hazardous Pesticides, Dr. Aneni has this to say:  "Transitioning away from HHPs does not require sacrificing productivity. Instead, it involves adopting integrated and knowledge-based approaches that improve pest control while reducing risks.

"Integrated Pest Management emphasizes prevention, monitoring, and ecological balance, with chemical pesticides used only as a last resort. Biological control methods using natural predators, parasitoids, and microbial agents offer targeted pest suppression with minimal environmental impact.

"Cultural practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, timely planting, resistant varieties, and field sanitation reduce pest pressure and enhance system resilience. Mechanical and physical tools, including insect nets, pheromone traps, sticky traps, and hand-picking, are particularly effective in smallholder and vegetable systems.

"Botanical and low-toxicity pesticides derived from neem, garlic, pepper, and chrysanthemum degrade rapidly, reduce exposure risks, and offer opportunities for local production and enterprise development. Where chemical control is unavoidable, the use of lower-risk products combined with proper training and protective equipment significantly reduces harm".

SEDI gave the following Strategic Actions and Policy Recommendations:

Firstly, Regulatory and Policy Measures. It was recommended that the Edo State Government conducts a state-wide inventory of Highly Hazardous Pesticides to identify commonly used products, usage patterns, and high-risk areas. A phased and time-bound HHP phase-out plan should be developed, prioritizing substances that are internationally banned or restricted.

SEDI reiterated that strengthening market surveillance, licensing of agrochemical vendors, and enforcement of labeling and safety standards is essential. Incentives such as grants, procurement support, and tax relief should be introduced to promote safer alternatives and local biopesticide production.

Secondly, Capacity Building and Technical Support. SEDI emphasized that caling up farmer training through strengthened extension services and Farmer Field Schools across all senatorial districts is critical. Partnerships with academic institutions and research centers should be established to adapt pest management solutions to local crops and agro-ecological conditions.

Demonstration and learning farms should be developed to showcase profitable, HHP-free production systems and build farmer confidence in alternative approaches.

Furthermore,, Stakeholder Engagement and Implementation Pathways. SEDI recommended public awareness campaigns using radio, television, and community forums should educate farmers, traders, and consumers on pesticide risks and safer food production. A multi-stakeholder task force involving agriculture, environment, health, academia, farmer groups, and civil society organizations should be established to guide implementation.

Finally, Systems for the safe collection and disposal of obsolete pesticides and empty containers should be introduced to prevent environmental contamination and accidental reuse.

Protect our children by implementing the Children’s Amendment to the Minamata Convention, SEDI calls on Nigeria government

By Isaac Eranga 

Knowing the need to protect the most vulnerable population groups from amalgam, and the agreement of Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, to accelerate the phase down of dental amalgam use, Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) has called on Nigeria government to implement the Children’s Amendment to the Minamata Convention, which calls for the phase-out of dental amalgam for dental treatment of deciduous teeth, patients under 15 years and pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

This call was made by the Executive Director of SEDI- Dr. Tom Aneni  while answering questions from the SOCIAL REPORTERS NEWS SERVICE in Benin city. 

According to Dr. Aneni, dental amalgam contains 45-55% mercury which is disastrous to the environment, harmful to dental workers, and a health risk to dental patients, especially children and young women, and has been proven to be toxic to tissues and organs in humans. He said Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can damage children’s developing brains and neurological systems even before they are born.

“Dental amalgam’s mercury poisons fish which children eat, causing brain damage to some of them. It is horrible for them. We must switch to the alternative dental materials—which are non-polluting and tooth friendly.”

"The world now recognizes dental amalgam as a major environmental pollutant due to concerns about mercury-related health risks. It pollutes the air, water and land with potential to adversely affect agriculture and wildlife. Findings have indicated that mercury vapor is released during the insertion, condensation, carving, and removal of amalgam restorations. Then, any dental clinic that continues to use dental amalgam will expose patients/accompanying family members/friends and dental staff to mercury vapour. The European Parliament recently (2024) voted overwhelmingly (98%) to ban the use of dental amalgam by 1 January 2025.  This law will also ban amalgam manufacture, import, and export". 

"We therefore use this medium to join all key stakeholders in the fight against use of dental amalgam to call on all Nigeria government to end amalgam use by 30th June, 2026, and to ban amalgam imports from dental product manufacturers and non-European Western governments by 31st December, 2025.  We also urge the government to issue a public health advisory to all  dentists, dental training institutions and the public to discontinue the use of dental amalgam in children and other vulnerable populations in order to protect public health and comply with the decisions reached at COP 4.2 of the Minamata convention on mercury to which Nigeria is a signatory. 

"We also urge Nigeria government to initiate as a matter of national urgency the process of legislation to restrict the import, use and distribution of dental amalgam in Nigeria.

“The Minamata Convention on Mercury, since 2023, bans amalgam for children and for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The law must be enforced by our government—and dentists must obey it.”

"Environmental pollution is responsible for human disease in 25% of the population worldwide; but in Sub-Saharan Africa the percentage is higher at 35%. Any clinic that continues to use dental amalgam is not practicing evidence-based 21st century dentistry, which prioritizes minimally-invasive intervention such as use of mercury-free fillings that can preserve more tooth structure. 

"Despite the  ongoing concerns regarding the potential toxicity of mercury and the successful model campaigns to implement the transition to mercury-free dentistry and to demonstrate feasibility and advantages of alternatives to amalgam have been executed in Edo State, Nigeria; Enugu State, Nigeria; Odisha State, India; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province; Pakistan; Ben Arrous Region, Tunisia; and Mombassa County, Kenya, many dental institutions continue to maintain amalgam as the material of choice for undergraduate simulation laboratory and clinical dental training of dental students", said Dr. Tom Aneni. 

Also speaking,  President of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry- Dr. Charlie Brown, said Mercury is the most vapourous of the heavy metals, and those vapors toxify the dental ofce. It is too big a risk for young women dental workers. Dental clinics should become mercury-free, now.

“The alternatives to amalgam are now technically superior to amalgam. Amalgam is a tooth unfriendly historical relic from the 19th century.

"Manufacturers are exiting making amalgam—they know they have legal risks. The amalgam supply is running out.”

“Our dental school needs to be mercury-free. Alternatives are effective and available. Mercury-free dentistry is 21st century dentistry", said Dr. Charlie Brown. 

Edo 2024 governorship election: Edo Man O' War unveil political culture of non-violence sensitization campaign

As part of effort in ensuring peace and non-violence in the forthcoming 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State, the Edo State Command of Man O'War Nigeria has unveiled a political culture of non-violence public sensitization campaign.

The campaign was unveiled during the 2024 State Commanders Retreat and Workshop held in Benin City. 

Unveiling the political culture of non-violence public sensitization campaign for Edo 2024 Gubernatorial Election, the Edo State Commandant- Amb. Odunze C. Eberechukwu said the intention was to sensitize citizens, aspirants and political parties on the need to embrace peace before, during and after the 2024 Edo governorship elections.

Amb. Odunze C. Eberechukwu, AISLT, DSM, FTSA

"We want to see how we can sensitize these politicians and political parties that even as they go about their political aspirations, there is need to eschew violence and embrace peace. The Edo 2024 governorship elections should be a thing that other states should emulate. They should be able to set a standard for other states when it comes to electoral processes.

"The citizens need to know that a lot of the the atrocities that took place during elections were committed by the citizens, particularly young persons, and not the politicians themselves majority of whom have their families resident in overseas countries. 

"This campaign of political culture of non-violence is also intended to avert political apathy in Edo State. This is because past experiences show a situation where a lot of persons came out to vote and for one reason or the other, who they anticipated to win did not emerge, thereby feeling discouraged. We want them to know that at times you win and at times you lose.

"We intend to engage the various religious bodies, political parties, market women, youths in the street, student's groups, media houses, etc", he said.

While delivering a presentation, the Deputy State Commandant Training, Operations and Rescue- DMC Onoha Uchena Kelly highlighted the importance of Commanders and members training in the discharge of their duties. According to him, one cannot embark on a journey he or she don't know about, hence the need for training and retraining.

"Training can be both technical and vocational. The technical training include First Aid, Fire Fighting, Compass Work, Foot Tracking. While the vocational training include Agriculture, Piggery, Fisheries, Carpentary, Sewing, Tie and Dye, etc.

"You are also obligated to involve in social engagement activities such as trafic control, crowd control, environmental sanitation, etc", he said.

Presenting a paper on Leadership, the Deputy State Commandant Administration and Logistics- DMC Ernest Abebe defined leadership as the way a leader directs, coordinates, and pilot the affairs of an organisation in achieving the organisational goal(s).

Speaking about the qualities of a leader, DMC Abebe said a leader "must be accountable, courageous, honest, reliable, determined, humble, Intelligent/neat, tolerance, discipline, foresight, exemplary, loyal, God-fearing, resourceful, etc".

SEDI brands audit 2024 reveals Cocacola and Pepsi as top plastic polluters in Nigeria

... Calls on the Managements to reduce and redesign their plastic cans

By Isaac Eranga, PAMHSE

The Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) has called on the managements of  Cocacola and Pepsi to reveal, reduce and redesign their plastic cans as part of their extended producer responsibility and catalyzing zero waste initiatives. This to SEDI, would largely help to reduce plastics in Nigeria and its deleterious effect on human health and environment.

This call was contained in a press statement released by SEDI's Communication department following the organisation's 2024 plastic brand audit exercise carried out in January, 2024.

According to the statement, "plastics were collected out door in an estate of 1000 hectares of land housing offices, houses, religious houses (Churches and mosques), schools and commercial centres. The volunteers were recruited and trained by SEDI staff following BFFP training guide. Training videos were  utilized and emphasis was laid on health and safety in the plastic collection process. 

"Detailed planning and coordination meetings were held. During the designated period, volunteers  collected plastics which were later sorted and counted. Photographs were taken and proceedings of the event were recorded for social media and the press.

"The objective of the plastic brand audit was to reveal the top polluting companies trashing our communities with their single-use plastic waste.

"The most common plastic items were: plastic PET bottles and bottle caps. The most common types of plastic were: PET and HDPE. The top polluting companies, whose brands were found on the most plastic waste, were: Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Suntory Beverage and foods, and CWAY Foods and Beverages. The plastic brand audit found Cocacola and Pepsi to be the top plastic polluters in the exercise", the statement posited.

Eradicating Plastic Pollution In Africa: SEDI Calls For Action

By Isaac Eranga

In 2022, the global plastic pollution treaty was adopted by 175 countries at an annual conference held by the United Nations Environment program (UNEP). The treaty according to UNEP, was aimed at tackling the entire life-cycle of plastic, with the primary goal of developing circular economy that break the region of single-use plastics. 

This has led people from different countries of the world to devise myriad of methods in tackling the global crisis of plastic pollution. Various countries have enacted restrictions on different types of plastic. These ranges from updated recycling facilities, reduction in plastic use, development of bio-plastics, and investment in alternatives. According to globalcitizen.org, "communities have staged clean-up efforts to remove plastic waste from coastlines, rivers and landscapes. Technologies have been invented to trap microplastics and massive machines have been mobilised to clear away ocean plastic".

"But the problem keeps getting worse. That's because these efforts have been fragmented. Without global coordination, the plastic industry will continue to evolve and expand, plastic consumption will become more common and diffuse, and plastic pollution will become more widespread, contaminating the farthest reaches of the planet".

"And despite efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic products as well as countries who have banned plastic use in some instances, experts predict that plastic production will increase by 40% in the next ten years", the Guardian reported.

In Nigeria, the Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) has been playing a tremendous role in reducing the use plastic, thereby contributing to the Global Plastic Treaty.

Firstly, SEDI has coordinated plastic brand audits in 2021, 2022 and 2023 in Nigeria cited in http://sedinig.org/gallery/, with Coca-Cola and Pepsico being the leading brands of plastic waste polluters.

Secondly, SEDI coordinates a campaign on ‘Pathway to Municipal Waste Management in Edo State’ campaigning for a non-incineration policy on waste incineration in landfills, cited in http://sedinig.org/sedi-waste-management-communique/), with continuous engagement with waste pickers, government officials, media and other stakeholders in Edo State.

Furthermore, SEDI facilitates waste pickers in Edo State working towards formalization and integration of waste pickers. SEDI has facilitated the ‘Otofure Dumpsite Waste pickers Constitution’ for waste pickers (http://sedinig.org/waste-pickers-constitution/).

In addition, SEDI is Co-chair, Circular Economy Benin-City club: Devoted to the design and implementation of circular economy strategies in the plastic sector with a pilot plastic waste collection, recycling and campaign programme using the circular economy business model to reduce plastic pollution and create green jobs.

Finally, SEDI works on zero waste and is using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in managing and treatment of biodegradable waste such as kitchen waste. This is a promising and sustainable way to manage organic waste generated from our homes, schools, farms, and industries.

SEDI has been in the fore front of media advocacy for the Global Plastic Treaty with coordinated media articles in Nigeria. SEDI supports global campaigns through sign ups to letters supporting a future free from plastic pollution and demonstrate civil society power. 

The aim of SEDI is to amplify the campaign in reducing plastic use and increasing the percentage of plastic waste recycled. Currently, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. Meaning that 91% ends up in landfills, in oceans, and in the bellies of marine life.

SEDI however recommends the following:

- plastic production reduction

- chemical transparency

- ensuring mandatory extended producer responsibility (EPR)

- commitment to put regulations in place to operationalise policies

- necessitating the push for more upstream measures

- the inclusion of waste pickers, indigenous peoples and frontline communities, under-represented African countries, women and youth

- championing social and human rights aspects of the plastics treaty and sustainable, roburst financial mechanisms for the treaty.

SEDI Advocates Use Of Mercury-Free Alternatives In Tooth Filling

 ... Kicks against the use of amalgam, says it does much harm to the body

By Isaac Eranga

As part of activities in commemorating the 2023 Mercury-Free Dentistry Week, the Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) has called for the use of mercury-free alternatives in tooth filling, saying amalgam does much harm to the body. 

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Executive Director of SEDI- Dr. Tom Aneni. According to the statement, "Mercury-free fillings are tooth-friendly, amalgam is tooth unfriendly.  Amalgam is a colonial relic which requires removal of good tooth matter, creating weaker teeth and the need for future repairs.  

"By contrast, the alternatives are tooth friendly.Glass ionomers are child-friendly: atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) does not require a power drill, or an electrical source.  Hence ART can be done in remote villages where electrical service is intermittent. 

"Composites are technically superior to amalgam, preserving the tooth rather than removing good tooth matter, and easier for future repairs, making them a better price in the long run. 

"Mercury is so toxic it is the sole subject of an international convention whose goal is to end man-made uses of mercury: the Minamata Convention.   

"Mercury is the most vaporous of the heavy metals, so a dental clinic still placing amalgam is a very dangerous work environment, especially for young women.  

"In the teeth, amalgam releases mercury vapor into the body, including (a) the brain, (b) kidneys, (c) the mother’s breast milk, and (d) the female uterus.   Because their brains are developing, at gravest risk of permanent injury for mercury are children – meaning we must also protect nursing mothers and pregnant women. 

"Mercury-free fillings preserve tooth structure: Mercury-free fillings can help prevent future caries: Mercury-free fillings are long lasting; Competent dentists can do alternatives as quickly as amalgam.

"Mercury in fish and vegetables:  Amalgam’s mercury converts to methylmercury in the fish.  Continued use of amalgam in Africa means that children with a fish diet are at serious risk of brain damage.  Dental mercury gets into the ground and from there into vegetables people eat. 

"Dentistry is one of the largest users of mercury in the world.  The number of dentists in Africa is growing rapidly; it is essential that both new and old are trained in mercury-free dentistry, or the mercury pollution will get much worse. In Africa, dental mercury is often diverted via the black market for use in small-scale gold mining", the statement said.

Poor Rural Environmental Health Programmes in Nigeria is due to governmental insensitivity, says Life Boat

News Blogger: Isaac Eranga

Benin City: Lack of governmental priority, inadequacy of manpower, and poor implementation of projects have been attributed to the unsatisfactory state of the rural environmental health service in Nigeria. 

This attribution was made by the Executive Director of Life Boat Initiative for Societal Development - Mr Osarobo Ogbevoen. He said the Nigerian government has not given sufficient priority to rural environmental health.

"Until now, the planning of environmental health Programmes has been conducted in a rather piecemeal haphazard fashion, without any attempt to analyse the needs and determine the objectives. There have been no specific plans for the development of environmental health activities within the framework of general socio-economic development plans, but only a series of uncoordinated'micro-projects', most of which are designed as emergency measures to offset the dangers arising from rapid rural community expansion.

"A more forward-looking approach and the use of prospective studies to help government draw up long-term plans would be highest priority and the government should always consider this activity as an integrated part of national health plans.

"The need to use available national resources for improving sanitation standards is very paramount, and rural environmental health planning is a sine qua non. The success and failure of environmental health will depend on the quality of the supporting administrative structures.

"The programmes should therefore be planned, organised and executedso as to improve the entire rural population and directed towards prevention and control of environmental health disease.  In the context of rural areas, these activities should concern water supply, the collection, treatment and disposal of liquid and solid wastes, control of insects, rodents and other vectors, housing and food sanitation", says Life Boat boss.