The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Sokoto state has warned fruit sellers to refrain from using calcium carbonate and other harmful chemicals to preserve fruits.

The warning was issued by the State Coordinator, Mr Abdusalam Lawal, during a public awareness campaign against the use of chemicals in food preservation on Thursday in Sokoto.

Lawal urged fruit and foodstuff dealers to stop the dangerous practice, stressing that it posed serious risks to public health.

With Ramadan fasting approaching, a period of increased fruit consumption, he highlighted the importance of using safe preservation methods.

He warned that the use of chemicals like calcium carbonate could lead to severe health issues, including kidney damage, cancer, hypertension, and even terminal diseases.

“We must understand that mixing chemicals with consumables in the name of food preservation is hazardous to our health,” Lawal stated.

He condemned the practice, calling it not only harmful but also “suicidal.”

Lawal explained that only welders were permitted to use calcium carbonate for tasks such as melting iron, and that NAFDAC would increase surveillance to ensure that chemicals were being used properly and not sold to fruit vendors.

In response, Alhaji Bello Danda, Chairman of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Marketers and Distributors in Sokoto, advised fellow sellers to adopt hygienic methods for fruit preservation.

He warned that violators of this process would face penalties.

Danda demonstrated how mangoes, bananas, and watermelons could be ripened safely in commercial quantities without posing harm to consumers.

He also called on the government to provide amenities for a more conducive trading environment in markets and to assist with modern preservation machinery for longer-lasting fruit storage.

Danda noted that Kasuwan Daji Market was widely patronised by people from southern Nigeria as well as neighbouring countries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NAFDAC team also inspected preservation methods, transportation networks, and held discussions with marketers on various issues.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its efforts to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria by implementing stricter regulations and surveillance measures.

Dr Tunde Sigbeku, Deputy Director and AMR-OH Focal Person at NAFDAC, said this on Thursday in Lagos.

Sigbeku spoke during a five-day training session for journalists, civil society organisations (CSOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) focused on AMR.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the training was organised by the Fleming Fund Country Grant (FFCG II).

The project is supported by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Sigbeku highlighted the dangers of AMR, emphasising that it poses a severe threat to human, animal, and environmental health.

He said that NAFDAC had implemented several policies, including banning the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock and fish production.

“AMR is real and with us in Nigeria. We have cases in hospitals, including babies born with colistin resistance, and it is also present on farms.

“We are taking steps like prohibiting the sale of branded medicated feed in open markets.

We are also restricting the use of certain veterinary drugs in food-producing animals, such as Carbadox, Nitrofural, and Olaquindox.

“We are strengthening port inspections to detect substandard and falsified antibiotics using advanced technologies like TRUSCAN and the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS),” he said l.

According to him, recognising that AMR requires a multi-sectoral approach.

He said that the agency had established collaborations with international and national stakeholders.

He listed such stakeholders to include the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the Fleming Fund.

“NAFDAC is also monitoring the importation and use of human and veterinary antibiotics to ensure compliance with national regulations,” he said.

Sigbeku stressed the need for continuous public awareness and collaboration with research institutions.

“We must educate, advocate, and act now.

“Increased surveillance, research, and policy enforcement are crucial to preventing a post-antibiotic era where common infections become deadly,” he said.

As Nigeria joins the global fight against AMR, he urged healthcare providers, farmers, and the general public to use antibiotics responsibly to preserve their effectiveness for future generations.

NAN recalls that the FFCG II has been instrumental in Nigeria’s fight against AMR.

Managed by Management Sciences for Health (MSH), the project collaborates with the One Health Ministries.

They are the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), as well as the Federal Ministry of Environment.

The aim is to implement a coordinated, multisectoral approach addressing AMR across human, animal, and environmental health.

Aligned with Nigeria’s FFCG Phase 2 Country Investment Strategy (CIS), the project focuses on four priority areas:

Producing quality AMR data, analysing data effectively, sharing analysis with decision-makers and promoting sustainable investment to counter AMR.

Through these efforts, the project plays a crucial role in strengthening Nigeria’s response to AMR, a growing public health concern.

Communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara, have lauded troops of Operation Fansan Yamma of the Nigerian Army over their success in tackling banditry in the area.

This is contained in a statement in Gusau by the Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, and Lt. – Col. Abubakar Abdullahi on Thursday.

Abdullahi said the commendation was highlighted during a visit to the command on Wednesday, by the community representatives, led by Junaidu Muhammad, the Vice Chairman of Shinkafi local government council.

“The delegation conveyed their gratitude for the relentless efforts of troops and emphasised the positive impact of the operation on local safety and security.

“The delegation appealed for continuation of the ongoing operation in Fakai and other localities, underscoring the importance of sustaining the momentum gained against criminal elements.

“They noted that the operation has significantly reduced the fear of attacks and violence, allowing residents to go about their daily lives with greater peace of mind,” Abdullahi stated.

Responding, the Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma Maj.- Gen. Oluyinka Soyele,  who received the community leaders, expressed gratitude for the recognition and support from the communities.

Soleye emphasised the commitment of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in maintaining a strong presence in the criminals’ identified hideouts.

“The theatre commander acknowledged that community cooperation is essential for the success of the operation.

“He reassured residents that their safety remained a top priority throughout the operation.”