FONTOX reaffirms commitment to green toxicology at 3rd Biennial conference
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Forum of Nigerian Toxicologists (FONTOX) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing green chemistry, Artificial Intelligence-driven research, and sustainable scientific practices aimed at safeguarding human and environmental health in Nigeria and across Africa.
The resolution was as a major highlight of the 3rd Biennial Conference of the Forum, held from February 8 to 10, 2026, at the University of Ilorin.
The conference, themed, “Toxicology: Integrating Innovation and Sustainability,” brought together 125 delegates, including researchers, academics, regulatory professionals, industry stakeholders, and students from within and outside Nigeria.
The three-day event featured seven plenary lectures, including two international speakers from the United States and South Africa, as well as 53 scientific presentations delivered through oral, poster, and virtual sessions. Discussions centred on emerging toxicological threats, innovative research methodologies, and the integration of scientific evidence into policy frameworks.
The Conference underscored the global shift towards Green Toxicology, emphasising safer chemical design, reduced reliance on animal testing, and the increasing application of predictive tools such as in silico simulations and artificial intelligence in toxicity assessment.
In a communiqué jointly signed by the President of FONTOX, Prof. Ebenezer O. Farombi, and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (FONTOX–Ilorin 2026), Prof. Musa Toyin Yakubu, the conference also examined the intersection between nutrition and toxic exposure, noting that micronutrients and phytochemicals can significantly modify disease risks associated with environmental contaminants.
Delegates expressed concern over persistent food and water contamination by antibiotics, heavy metals, and pesticide residues.
Adopting the One Health framework, experts highlighted toxicological risks at the human–animal–environment interface.
Emerging contaminants such as microplastics, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nanomaterials, and e-waste pollutants were identified as significant threats requiring coordinated scientific and regulatory responses.
On traditional medicine, the conference acknowledged its widespread use but pointed to existing gaps in toxicity and safety evaluation, particularly regarding herb–drug interactions, contamination, and adulteration.
The Conference recommended application of computational toxicology and AI-driven tools to strengthen safety assessments.
It further reported evidence linking occupational exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals to adverse reproductive, neurological, and renal health outcomes, especially among farmers, e-waste workers, and residents of polluted communities.
Biomonitoring and systematic risk assessment were recommended as essential protective measures.
Also in the communiqué, FONTOX called for strengthened integration of toxicological evidence into national policies on chemical safety, food security, occupational health, and environmental protection.
It also advocated enhanced training in computational toxicology, molecular techniques, and risk assessment, alongside stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and regulatory bodies.
The Forum expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and management of the University of Ilorin for hosting the conference, It also appreciated Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company for its support.
FONTOX announced that its 4th Biennial Conference would hold in 2028, reaffirming its resolve to build African toxicological capacity through strengthened education, research infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and regional collaboration.
