The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has intensified calls for stronger plant biosecurity measures to protect Nigeria’s food systems, agricultural trade, and biodiversity from the growing threat of pests and diseases.
The call formed the centrepiece of activities marking the 2026 International Day of Plant Health held in Abuja under the theme, “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security.”
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Abdullahi Abbas, described Nigeria’s rich ecological diversity as a critical national asset that must be protected to ensure sustainable agriculture and economic growth.
According to him, safeguarding plant resources has become increasingly important as climate change, invasive pests, and emerging plant diseases continue to threaten agricultural productivity across the world.
“In a country like Nigeria blessed with rich ecological diversity, safeguarding our plant resources is not only an environmental responsibility but also a strategic imperative for national food security and economic sustainability,” he said.
Abbas noted that NAQS remains committed to strengthening surveillance systems and enforcing international phytosanitary standards aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases into the country.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, farmers, researchers, and development partners to promote sustainable agricultural practices and preserve indigenous plant species.
“We must invest in sustainable agricultural practices that promote the preservation of indigenous plant species and support innovation that enhances biodiversity while increasing food production,” he added.
Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Vincent Isegbe, said plant health remains fundamental to human survival, food security, and economic stability.
“Plant is life. Without plants, we cannot survive. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, and even our health depend on plants,” Isegbe stated.
He explained that international agricultural trade relies heavily on phytosanitary certification to ensure exported commodities are free from dangerous pests and diseases.
According to him, a single infected seed, fruit, grain, or planting material could trigger widespread infestation capable of disrupting entire agricultural value chains if proper biosecurity measures are ignored.
“One infected seedling, cutting, rhizome, fruit or grain lot can introduce pests and diseases into farms, warehouses, and entire value chains,” he warned.
The President of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), Sheriff Balogun, said plant health is directly linked to food security, export quality, and the sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
Balogun noted that unhealthy crops often result in poor yields, post-harvest losses, export rejections, and significant financial losses for farmers and agribusinesses.
“The health of plants is very crucial to the whole ecosystem and food system in Nigeria. This is not just a celebration; it is a call for everyone involved to put all hands on deck to ensure healthy plants,” he said.
A plant health expert and stakeholder at the event, Shakiru Kazeem, emphasized the critical role plants play in human survival, noting that plants account for a major share of global food consumption and oxygen production.
He disclosed that NAQS has continued to strengthen inspection, diagnostics, treatment, and certification processes to ensure agricultural commodities moving in and out of Nigeria remain safe for trade and consumption.
“We are doing a lot in terms of inspection, diagnostics, treatment, and certification to ensure commodities are safe for trade and consumption,” he said.
Kazeem further revealed that the agency is collaborating with research institutions and academic bodies to improve preparedness against emerging pest threats and strengthen Nigeria’s plant protection systems.
Stakeholders at the event warned that plant pests and diseases can spread rapidly if left unchecked, urging stronger collective action to protect Nigeria’s agricultural sector, food supply systems, and international trade opportunities.
