El-Rufai seeks NSA clarification over reports that thallium sulphate, a toxic substance, was imported into Nigeria, citing public safety concerns

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally written to the Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), requesting clarification over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) imported the highly toxic substance, thallium sulphate, into Nigeria.

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In a letter dated 30 January and addressed to ONSA in Abuja, El-Rufai sought reassurance concerning information allegedly circulating among opposition leaders about the procurement of roughly 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.

Thallium salts are extremely toxic and strictly regulated, El-Rufai noted, stressing that any importation raises concerns about public safety, democratic accountability, and trust in national institutions.

The former governor requested detailed information about the purpose and intended use of the substance, the supplier’s identity, and whether the importation was conducted under a chemical or defence permit.

He also asked for specifics on the exact quantity, form, concentration, and storage protocols upon arrival in Nigeria.

El-Rufai further inquired whether regulatory and public health agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), were informed or involved in oversight, and whether risk assessments or hazard mitigation plans had been conducted.

He emphasised that the inquiry was made in good faith to ensure transparency, compliance with safety standards, and public confidence in national institutions.

Copies of the letter were sent to NAFDAC, NCDC, and the national chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Posting the letter on his X account on Sunday, El-Rufai wrote: “As part of my duty as a citizen, I wrote to the NSA to seek clarification on reports about the importation by his office of thallium sulphate, a very dangerous toxin.

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It is a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, especially an odourless and colourless one.”