The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has urged Nigerians to shun the patronage of imported food items and to promote the consumption of locally produced food.
NANTS National woman leader, Mrs Ruth Agbo made the appeal at a campaign against illegal importation of foods and indiscriminate use of chemical on food items, in Abuja.
She said it had become necessary to create awareness on the importance of consuming locally grown food in the country.
“This campaign is very important because it is in line with the government’s policy on import substitution, which advocates that we should be able to eat what we produce in this country.
“Knowing full well that everything that is imported into the country, especially as it concerns what we eat, is usually not in perfect condition for our health.
“We are doing this campaign against illegal importation of foods and indiscriminate use of chemical in food for preservation.
“Some of our traders are still using chemicals to preserve their food, so this is also an avenue to sensitise them to know that some of these chemicals are very harmful,’’ she said
Agbo added that part of what informed the campaign was the video showing a man using a chemical substance called sniper to preserve beans.
“This is an act of ignorance which will cause more harm than good.”
“So, our aim also is to sensitise these women traders on the best practices because nobody should be a victim of ignorance.
“We are carrying a massive senitisation across our markets across the country, especially in the rural areas, to let them know the right thing,’’ she added.
According to her, if Nigerians consume what is produced in the country, they will be healthier.
She added that promoting locally produced food would also help to grow the nation’s economy.
More than 1,000 women farmers and traders participated in the campaign that took place in major markets in the Federal Capital Territory.