By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has moved to strengthen control of transboundary and migratory agricultural pests as parts of efforts geared at building a resilient and productive agricultural sector and boost food security in the country.
Speaking at the Experts Workshop on the Review and Validation of the National Integrated Pest and Plant Diseases Management Strategy for the Control of Transboundary and Migratory Agricultural Pests recently ,the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said acknowledged that the sector faces significant challenges from recurring emerging and re-emerging pest and disease outbreaks, many of which are transboundary and migratory.
He highlighted that 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.
“This gathering does not only show your steadfast commitment to building a resilient and productive agricultural sector but also marks a significant step in our collective efforts to strengthen national mechanisms for safeguarding agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in the face of evolving pest and disease challenges.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our national economy, supporting millions of livelihoods, ensuring food security, and driving industrial growth and exports.
“The impacts of these pest and disease outbreaks reach far beyond the farms, undermining food and nutrition security, threatening livelihoods, and in some instances posing risks to national stability.”
To effectively address these complex challenges, the Permanent Secretary said demands a coordinated, science-based, and sustainable approach which is precisely the objective of the National Integrated Pest and Plant Diseases Management Strategy.
“This Strategy offers a comprehensive approach to pest prevention, early detection, rapid response, and sustainable management, built on the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
“Blending biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods while protecting human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment.
“Emerging pests, resistant pathogens, climate-driven pest migrations, and changing farming systems demand that our strategies remain dynamic and adaptive. It is for this reason that we are gathered today: to review, validate and strengthen this national Strategy, ensuring it meets both current and future pest management challenges effectively,” he stressed.
He therefore urged the participants to do an excellent job by bringing their expertise and field experience to bear.
“Distinguished participants, this workshop brings together some of the finest minds in agricultural research, pest management, and policy development. Your expertise, field experience, and insights are invaluable in ensuring that this Strategy is not only scientifically robust but also practical and implementable.
“I encourage each of you to engage fully in the discussions, carefully review the document, identify gaps, and propose actionable recommendations that will enhance its effectiveness and impact, align with regional and international frameworks for pest surveillance and control.”
He commended development partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), for their continuous technical support and for standing with the ministry in the shared mission to achieve a pest-resilient agricultural sector.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director, Plant Health and Pest Control Services Department, noted that; “the workshop provides us with a strategic platform to harmonize expert knowledge, field experience, global best practices, and national priorities, as we work collectively to refine and validate a robust Integrated Pest and Plant Diseases Management Strategy for the country.
“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.”
