Nigeria has launched a national strategy to control migratory pests and reduce crop losses, while abolishing open grazing to create a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.
The goal is to prevent, detect, and manage invasive species such as the Fall Armyworm, Ginger blight, Tuta absoluta, and Quelea birds, as well as safeguard agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and protect farmers’ livelihoods across the country.
The initiative was outlined at the Experts Workshop on the Review and Validation of the National Integrated Pest and Plant Diseases Management Strategy.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, emphasised the urgent need for coordinated, science-driven approaches to emerging pest and disease challenges.
“The sector faces significant threats from recurring and emerging pest outbreaks, many of which are transboundary and migratory,” Ogunbiyi said.
“These invasions have caused substantial crop losses, reduced productivity, and imposed severe economic hardships on smallholder farmers.”
The strategy promotes a comprehensive approach, combining early detection, rapid response, and sustainable pest management through Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
It blends biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods while safeguarding human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment.
“This workshop marks a significant step in strengthening national mechanisms to ensure agricultural productivity and food security,” he added.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, supporting millions of livelihoods, driving industrial growth, and enhancing exports.”
Under the new framework, the Federal Government has also abolished open grazing, reducing the risks associated with cattle movement and ensuring farmland protection, while simultaneously addressing the threats posed by migratory pests.
Ogunbiyi urged participants to leverage their expertise to refine and validate the strategy, making it scientifically robust, practical, and implementable nationwide.
He highlighted the importance of aligning national efforts with regional and international pest surveillance frameworks.
The Director of the Plant Health and Pest Control Services Department noted that the workshop provides a strategic platform to harmonise expert knowledge, field experience, global best practices, and national priorities.
The objective is to develop a dynamic, actionable, and science-driven national strategy that effectively prevents, detects, controls, and manages transboundary and migratory pests.
The Permanent Secretary also acknowledged development partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), for their ongoing technical support in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural resilience.
Source: Authority News
