Pesticide use among smallholder farmers in Nigeria has been associated with significant health hazards. The study evaluates the pesticide handling practices among vegetable farmers in Oyo State Nigeria. Random samples of one hundred and fifty (150) vegetable farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaire in ten selected local government areas of Oyo state Nigeria. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Majority of the farmers (74%) suffered from at least one health symptom associated with pesticide handling. However, most of them (65.4 %) claimed to have adopted the use of at least one or two safety protective equipment during pesticide application. A good number of the smallholder vegetable farmers (58.7%)do not have access to information on safety tips about pesticide handling or training on pesticide management. Cost of protective equipment and lack of training on pesticide handling seemed to be the most significant factors that influence proper pesticide handling practices among smallholder vegetable farmers in the state. It is therefore recommended that the regulatory agencies for pesticide use in Nigeria should implement the policy that will prohibit injudicious use of pesticide and provide effective training / workshop for the small holder farmers, retailers and all pesticide workers on the safety measures of pesticide application. The study also recommended integrated pest management (IPM) approaches for continued vegetable production to minimize risks associated with pesticide usage.