The House of Representatives has called for an urgent investigation into the alleged contamination of food processed with locally fabricated grinding machines, which are widely used in markets and food processing centres across Nigeria. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved during plenary by Wale Raji, the lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, who emphasized that the potential health risks posed by these machines constitute a matter of serious national concern. Raji highlighted that the move was prompted by growing evidence from the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), which raised alarms over the safety of locally fabricated grinding equipment and its possible link to rising cases of organ failure and cardiovascular diseases in the country.
During the debate, Raji underscored that the institute, through its Director-General Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, had warned that the use of locally manufactured grinding machines in processing staple food items could have significant public health implications. “Research findings cited by the institute indicated that some locally manufactured grinding machines used in processing tomatoes, peppers, onions, melon seeds and other staple food items may contain traces of heavy metals such as lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium and manganese,” Raji said.
He noted that in several instances, the concentrations of these metals reportedly exceeded the safety limits recommended by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization, raising serious concerns about the potential cumulative effects on human health.
The lawmaker explained that heavy metals are known to accumulate gradually in the human body, and prolonged exposure has been associated with severe health conditions, including kidney failure, liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and an increased risk of cancer. “Given the widespread use of locally fabricated grinding machines in markets and neighbourhood food processing centres across the country, this issue is a matter of serious public health concern,” Raji said, emphasizing that millions of Nigerians could be exposed daily to toxic contaminants through commonly consumed foods if the allegations are confirmed. He stressed that the lack of stringent regulation and inadequate certification of locally fabricated food processing equipment has exacerbated the risk and could contribute to preventable morbidity and mortality across the nation.
Raji also highlighted Nigeria’s already heavy burden of non-communicable diseases, noting that cardiovascular ailments and organ failures continue to place pressure on families and strain the healthcare system. He warned that failure to address the contamination risks associated with locally fabricated grinding machines could further worsen public health outcomes. “Nigeria is already grappling with a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular ailments and organ failure, which continue to place pressure on families and the healthcare system,” he said, reiterating the urgency of immediate legislative and regulatory action.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to investigate the claims and review existing regulatory mechanisms governing the fabrication and use of food processing equipment in the country. Lawmakers emphasized the need to safeguard public health and ensure that food safety standards are strictly enforced, with an eye toward preventing further exposure of Nigerian consumers to potentially toxic contaminants.
The resolution also mandates the relevant authorities to strengthen oversight, enhance certification processes, and ensure that all locally fabricated food processing machinery meets internationally recognized safety standards, marking a significant step toward protecting the health of millions of Nigerians who rely on these machines in daily food preparation.