The House of Representatives’ investigation into the use of toxic chemicals like formalin and Sniper in preserving frozen foods has reignited public concern over food safety in Nigerian markets. Experts across the food and agriculture sector have noted the illegal practice has become disturbingly common, driven by inadequate infrastructure, weak enforcement and economic pressures.
Analysts highlight two key failures fueling the problem, Nigeria’s lack of cold storage facilities and a culture of weak enforcement that allows unsafe practices to persist. Many traders and food processors struggle to keep frozen meat, fish or poultry in good condition amid erratic electricity supply, prompting some to resort to chemicals to avoid losses.
The Chairman of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Agric and Agro Allied Group,Tunde Banjoko said, “The cost of fuel and electricity to run freezers is high. Traders seek the cheapest way to preserve products. While their intentions may be good, the methods they adopt are wrong and dangerous.”
FutuX Agri-Consult Limited’s Senior Associate Consultant,Oyewole Okewole noted that Nigeria’s underdeveloped cold-chain infrastructure has created “the perfect breeding ground for unsafe practices,” with surveys showing nearly 44% of retailers using chemicals like Sniper. Chi Tola Roberts, an agribusiness strategist, pointed to economic pressure, poor electricity and weak oversight as main drivers, calling for a national awareness campaign to educate traders and consumers on long-term health risks.
Kabir Ibrahim, President of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), warned, “Using Sniper and formalin can cause cancer and must be strictly prohibited.” Experts stress that weak enforcement remains a core issue. Agencies such as NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria struggle to monitor markets, while corruption and poor coordination undermine compliance.
Solutions proposed include solar-powered cold storage, centralised public-private facilities, mobile testing labs, stricter penalties and continuous education to safeguard both traders and consumers. Collectively, these interventions aim to reduce reliance on toxic preservatives and protect public health while addressing the underlying economic and infrastructural challenges.
