ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA
LAGOS STATE CHAPTER
CIRCULAR NO: EHOAN/LS/067/2026
DATE: 11TH SEPTEMBER, 2026
TO: ALL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS IN LAGOS STATE
FROM: DR. AKINYELE CYRIL BABASOPE AKINYELE, PhD. (PRESIDENT, EHOAN LAGOS STATE CHAPTER)
SUBJECT: IMMEDIATE DIRECTIVE ON ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST CHEMICAL ADULTERATION OF FUFU, GARRI AND PAP IN LAGOS STATE
1.0 BACKGROUND
Recent public outcry and media reports have indicated the use of bleach, detergent, soda, potash and other toxic chemicals in the processing of fufu/akpu, garri and pap to hasten fermentation and improve appearance.
Scientific evidence and NAFDAC warnings confirm that these practices cause kidney failure, liver damage, ulcers, and cancer. This is a direct threat to public health and must be stopped immediately.
2.0 DIRECTIVE
By this circular, all Environmental Health Officers in the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in Lagos State are hereby directed to commence immediate and aggressive enforcement as follows:
A. SURVEILLANCE & IDENTIFICATION
- Identify and map all fufu, garri and pap processing points in your LGA/LCDA within 7 days.
- Establish complaint lines for members of the public to report suspicious products.
B. INSPECTION & SAMPLING
- Conduct routine and surprise inspections of all processing facilities.
- During inspection, check for:
a. Source of water
b. Fermentation period – anything less than 48hrs is suspicious
c. Presence of bleach, hypo, detergent, soda, potash
d. General hygiene of premises and handlers - Collect and forward suspected samples to NAFDAC/State Public Health Lab for analysis.
C. ENFORCEMENT
- Seize and destroy any food product confirmed or reasonably suspected to contain chemicals.
- Serve Notice of Contravention and Closure Order on defaulting premises.
- Arrest and prosecute offenders at the Environmental and Special Offences Court, Oshodi.
- Apply for remand where necessary to serve as deterrent to others.
D. PUBLIC EDUCATION
- Organize community sensitization in markets and through town criers, radio, and social media.
- Key message: “Natural fermentation takes 3-4 days. Fast fufu is chemical fufu. Chemical fufu destroys your kidney and liver.”
- Advocate to LGA Chairmen for licensing of all food processors.
E. REPORTING
- Submit weekly enforcement returns to the State Secretariat, EHOAN Lagos State Chapter, on or before every Friday.
- Reports must include: number of premises inspected, samples taken, arrests made, cases prosecuted, and evidence in photos/videos.
3.0 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
All officers must conduct themselves with integrity.
- Wear PPE during inspections
- Zero tolerance for bribery and compromise
- Engage firmly but professionally. We are the last line of defense for public health.
4.0 CONCLUSION
Let it be known: Dumping waste into water channels AND adulterating food with chemicals are criminal offences. EHOAN Lagos State Chapter will not tolerate any act that endangers the health of Lagosians.
IF YOU ADULTERATE FOOD, YOU WILL BE ARRESTED AND PROSECUTED.
This directive takes immediate effect.
Signed:
DR. AKINYELE CYRIL BABASOPE AKINYELE, PhD.
President
EHOAN LAGOS STATE CHAPTER
