Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has raised serious concerns over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under Nuhu Ribadu, procured thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical, from Poland.
El-Rufai made the allegations in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, sharing a copy of a letter he addressed to the National Security Adviser in Abuja. In the letter, he demanded urgent clarification on the reports, calling it a matter of public safety and democratic accountability.
“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. It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one,” he wrote.
The former governor said information available to opposition political leaders indicated that the ONSA had procured approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland. Thallium salts are highly toxic, tightly controlled substances, and have limited use in laboratories or regulated industrial settings.
In his letter, El-Rufai sought detailed clarification from the NSA on the purpose of the importation, the supplier’s identity, and whether the transaction was conducted under an existing chemical or defence permit. He also requested information on the form or concentration of the chemical, total quantity procured, and how it would be stored securely upon arrival.
Highlighting the risks to public safety, El-Rufai emphasized the need for transparency, stating that “public safety, democratic accountability, and trust in national institutions require immediate clarification.”
He also raised questions about regulatory oversight, including coordination with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). He inquired whether risk assessments or hazard mitigation plans had been developed to prevent public exposure.
“I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser, reportedly from a supplier in Poland,” the letter read.
El-Rufai’s move comes amid heightened scrutiny of government agencies and their handling of sensitive materials. He said public confidence in national institutions depends on clear communication and strict adherence to safety regulations.
The former governor requested that the NSA provide assurance that the chemical would be stored and handled safely, with proper oversight and security. He also sought information on whether public-health risk assessments were conducted prior to the importation and whether contingency plans were in place in case of accidents.
Civil society groups and opposition leaders have in the past expressed concerns about the management of hazardous materials, especially when imported by government offices with national security roles. Transparency, they argue, is essential to prevent misuse or potential threats to the public.
Thallium sulphate has limited legitimate uses, primarily in laboratory research and controlled industrial applications. Its toxic nature has led to strict regulations worldwide, and accidental or unauthorized use can have severe consequences.
El-Rufai’s letter reflects a broader push for accountability in government operations, particularly in areas involving hazardous chemicals and potential public health risks. By requesting detailed information on the procurement, storage, and intended use, he is urging the NSA to provide reassurance to Nigerians about safety standards and regulatory compliance.
While the ONSA has not yet responded publicly to the allegations, analysts say that prompt clarification is necessary to prevent misinformation and public panic. The situation underscores the need for clear rules on the importation and management of toxic chemicals, as well as strict monitoring by agencies like NAFDAC and NCDC.
For now, Nigerians await a response from the Office of the National Security Adviser, as questions about the importation of thallium sulphate remain unanswered. Public safety advocates and opposition leaders are likely to continue monitoring the situation closely, given the potentially dangerous nature of the chemical and its implications for national security.
