“Unsafe Farming Practices Pose Health Risks in Nigeria,” Warns Saviour Essien

A software engineer turned agricultural entrepreneur, Saviour Essien has warned that unsafe farming and livestock practices are contributing to health risks across Nigeria. Essien who spent a decade in software engineering before founding Axios Integrated Farms, which has hectares of oil palm plantations in Akwa Ibom State, says many routine farm practices pose risks to consumers because safety guidelines are not being followed.

In an exclusive chat with our reporter, Essien stated that one of the most serious concerns is the failure to observe prescribed withdrawal periods after giving antibiotics to livestock. He cites broiler chickens, which he says are often sold before they reach maturity to meet market demand, leaving little time for drug residues to clear. He says that when meat, eggs, or produce reach the market before these chemicals have broken down, residues can enter the food supply and contribute to antibiotic resistance and other health problems.

The same concern applies to crops, Essien says. Fertilising oil palm trees, or harvesting crops soon after applying synthetic fertiliser or pesticide, without allowing time for the chemicals to degrade can also pose a health risk, in addition to the dangers of adulterated palm oil.

“Unsafe practices in farming are directly connected to many poor health outcomes we see today,” Essien explained. “When farmers do not observe the mandatory withdrawal period for livestock treated with antibiotics, or when synthetic fertilisers and agrochemicals are applied without following the recommended safety timelines, it leads to issues like antibiotic resistance in humans. We must urgently shift our habits, either by strictly adhering to prescribed timelines for chemical use or by transitioning toward organic manure and sustainable eco-friendly alternatives.”

Essien says protecting consumer health requires action from both farmers and regulators. He wants regulatory bodies to point out the dangers of these poor practices through consistent public awareness and sensitisation, so that farmers and consumers alike understand the risks.

He urges Nigerian producers to adopt organic inputs or strictly respect safety timelines to improve food safety standards.