Alleged Toxic Chemical Import: El-Rufai Queries NSA Ribadu, Demands Urgent Clarification

 

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has raised alarm over the alleged procurement of a hazardous chemical substance by the Office of the National Security Adviser, calling for immediate public clarification on the matter.

In a statement shared via his verified X account on Sunday, El-Rufai accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), headed by Nuhu Ribadu, of reportedly importing thallium sulphate — described as a highly toxic compound — from a supplier in Poland.

The former governor said he had formally written to the security office in Abuja seeking details about the reported transaction, stressing that the importation of any poisonous substance, particularly one that is colourless and odourless, raises serious public safety concerns.

According to him, information available to opposition political leaders suggested that about 10 kilograms of the substance were procured, prompting questions about the purpose and legality of the acquisition.

El-Rufai requested full disclosure on the intended use, end-user details, supplier identity, permit authorisations, and the specific quantity and concentration involved. He also demanded clarification on how the substance would be stored and secured upon arrival in the country.

He further called for transparency regarding regulatory compliance and inter-agency coordination, specifically asking whether agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control were notified and involved in risk assessment and hazard-mitigation planning.

Describing the matter as one of democratic accountability and institutional trust, El-Rufai said citizens deserve reassurance that no dangerous materials are being handled outside strict legal and safety frameworks.

As of the time of filing this report, the Office of the National Security Adviser had not issued an official response to the allegations.