Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has launched a scathing attack on the National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), accusing the agency of negligence in monitoring and preventing the dangerous practice of chemical ripening of fruits across Nigeria.

During a Senate debate in Abuja on Wednesday, Oshiomhole expressed his frustration while discussing a motion titled "Urgent need to investigate with an intention to halt the continuous unwholesome practices of chemical ripening of fruits among fruit sellers in Nigeria."

The former Edo State Governor questioned NAFDAC's effectiveness, noting that the agency has failed in its primary responsibility of ensuring food safety standards across the country despite receiving government funding for this purpose.

"Mr President, Distinguished Colleagues, NAFDAC should be punished for its indifference and carelessness for allowing the use of chemicals to preserve fruits," Oshiomhole declared during the session.

The Senator highlighted the serious health implications of chemically ripened fruits, stating that these toxic substances have been linked to cancer and other life-threatening conditions that have claimed numerous lives in the country.

He expressed dismay that senators had to discover these dangerous practices while NAFDAC, the agency specifically tasked with monitoring chemical and food standards, appeared oblivious to the situation.

"How can senators discover the unwholesome practices of chemical ripening of fruits among fruit sellers, yet NAFDAC, an agency saddled with the responsibility of chemical and food standards, could not discover this?" Oshiomhole questioned.

The motion reflects growing concerns about food safety in Nigeria, particularly regarding the use of calcium carbide and other harmful chemicals to artificially ripen fruits like mangoes, bananas, and plantains to meet market demands.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that consuming fruits ripened with such chemicals can lead to serious health complications including liver and kidney damage, neurological disorders, and various forms of cancer.

The Senate debate is expected to lead to further investigations into NAFDAC's operations and potentially result in stricter regulations on fruit ripening practices across the country.