Federal Govt Strengthens Defence Against Transboundary Plant Pests

The federal government has begun a renewed drive to reinforce Nigeria’s defence systems against transboundary and migratory agricultural pests and diseases.

This followed the convergence of top experts, researchers and development partners in Abuja  to review and validate the National Integrated Pest and Plant Diseases Management Strategy.

The move is aimed at updating the national framework for preventing and responding to increasingly frequent pest invasions that threaten food production.

The permanent secretary, ministry of agriculture and food security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the review marked a major step in strengthening mechanisms that safeguard agricultural productivity.

He noted that agriculture remains a backbone of the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods, yet continues to suffer major setbacks from recurring outbreaks of the Fall Armyworm, Ginger blight, Tuta absoluta, quelea birds and other invasive species. These, he said, have resulted in severe crop losses, reduced productivity and economic distress for smallholder farmers.

Ogunbiyi stressed that the national strategy is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to pest prevention, early detection, rapid response and sustainable management through integrated pest management methods.

He added that climate-driven pest migration, resistant pathogens and evolving farming systems demand a more adaptive and science-driven framework.

He called on participants to identify gaps and propose practical solutions that will align Nigeria’s pest surveillance and control protocols with regional and international standards.

He said, “Recent invasions by pests such as the Fall Armyworm, Ginger blight, Tuta absoluta, Quelea birds and other invasive species have caused substantial crop losses, reduced productivity, and severe economic setbacks, particularly for smallholder farmers.

“Effectively addressing these complex challenges demands a coordinated, science-based, and sustainable approach which is precisely the objective of the National Integrated Pest and Plant Diseases Management Strategy”.

In her welcome remarks, the director of Plant Health and Pest Control Services, Dr Grace Iwendi, said transboundary and migratory pests remain one of the most critical threats to Nigeria’s food system.

She linked their increasing frequency to climate variability, ecological changes and the rising movement of goods and people.

According to her, the workshop provides an essential platform to harmonise field experience, expert knowledge and global best practices as the country works to strengthen its preparedness and rapid response capacity.

Iwendi said the final strategy will aim to enhance early warning systems, boost emergency response and build a more resilient crop protection framework.

“Today’s gathering is of great significance to our national agricultural development agenda, as transboundary and migratory pests continue to pose serious threats to our food security, rural livelihoods, and national economy.

“Our goal is clear: to develop a dynamic, science-driven, and actionable national strategy that enhances our capacity to prevent, detect, control, and manage transboundary and migratory pests and diseases in a timely and coordinated manner,” she said.