By Haruna Salami
The Senate has taken decisive steps to address the growing public health threat posed by the artificial ripening of fruits using toxic chemicals.
In a motion sponsored by Senator Ani Okorie (Ebonyi South), the Senate raised the alarm over the continued use of hazardous substances like calcium carbide by fruit vendors across the country.
Moving the motion during plenary on Wednesday, Senator Ani described fruit ripening as a natural physiological process meant to improve the taste, aroma, and nutritional value of fruits.
However, he noted that commercial pressure and the pursuit of profit have led many vendors to resort to dangerous chemical alternatives.
“While substances like ethylene and methyl jasmonate are considered safe—though expensive—unscrupulous fruit sellers often turn to cheaper but harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, ethylene glycol, and ethephon, which are banned in several countries,” he said.
He warned that calcium carbide contains deadly impurities including arsenic and lead, which are linked to a range of life-threatening conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
“The sad reality is that many Nigerians are unknowingly buying poison disguised as fresh fruit. This must be stopped,” he said, drawing widespread support from his colleagues.
The Senate unanimously resolved to “urge NAFDAC, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate the practice of chemical ripening of fruits in Nigeria.
“Public Awareness: These agencies are to intensify sensitization campaigns and public education on the dangers of consuming chemically ripened fruits.
“Market Surveillance: NAFDAC and FCCPC are mandated to conduct regular inspections of fruit markets to detect and penalize vendors using harmful substances.
“Import Monitoring: NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service must ensure that imported fruits—especially apples—are not preserved with banned chemicals.
“Legislative Reform: The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, alongside the Committee on Agriculture and Health, is to explore amendments to existing laws to criminalize the artificial ripening of fruits using dangerous chemicals, with stiff penalties for offenders.”
Senator Isa Jibrin (Kogi East) and other lawmakers strongly supported the motion, emphasizing that enforcement must be backed by law to serve as a deterrent. “Anybody can die unknowingly through this practice. We must ensure that culprits are punished under the law,” Senator Jibrin said.
Several senators expressed concern over what they described as NAFDAC’s silence and apparent inaction in curbing the practice. The Senate agreed to mandate its Committees on Health and Agriculture to summon NAFDAC and other relevant agencies for a briefing on their efforts to protect Nigerians from chemically ripened fruits.
In his remarks, Godswill Akpabio, emphasised the gravity of the issue. “This is a very serious public health concern. Even visitors to Nigeria could unknowingly consume these fruits. We cannot afford to look the other way.”
He commended Senator Ani for sponsoring the motion and lauded his colleagues for their robust debate and commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians.
