On the 12th of March, the Nigerian House of Representatives adopted a motion calling for an urgent investigation into the alleged contamination of food by locally fabricated grinding machines and its potential link to rising cases of organ failure and cardiovascular diseases in the country.
The motion, moved by Hon. Wale Raji (representing Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos State), was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka and Hon. Peter Ekpe. It was further supported during debate by Hon. Edem Onyime.
Key Prayers of the Motion
The House resolved that the Committees on Healthcare Services, Industry, Science and Technology, and Commerce should jointly:
– Investigate the claims made by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) regarding heavy metal contamination (such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and others) from locally fabricated grinding machines used in processing staples like pepper, tomatoes, yam, beans, and melon seeds.
Determine the extent of the health risks posed to Nigerians and report back to the House within six (6) weeks for further legislative action. The motion has been referred to the relevant committees for immediate action.
Background and Concerns
Hon. Raji raised the motion as a matter of urgent public importance, citing findings from FIIRO which suggest that worn-out or substandard metal components in these widely used machines leach toxic heavy metals into food during grinding. Long-term consumption of such contaminated food is suspected to contribute to the increasing incidence of kidney and organ failure as well as cardiovascular diseases across Nigeria.
This development comes amid growing public health concerns, as millions of households and food vendors across markets rely heavily on these affordable, locally made grinding machines.
Implications If the investigation confirms the claims, it could lead to new regulations, standards for machine fabrication, and the promotion of safer alternatives such as stainless steel grinding machines.
The House’s decision embodies the urgent need to protect Nigerians from preventable health hazards hidden in everyday food processing.