By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria has updated its strategy of managing transboundary and migratory agricultural pests, highlighting the link between pest control, environmental sustainability, and national food security.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security launched the new strategy at ARMTI in Abuja, recently before a gathering of experts, policymakers, development partners, and private-sector stakeholders to design a strategy that reduces crop losses while preserving ecosystems.
Grace Iwendi, Director of Plant Health and Pest Control Services, explained that pests such as locusts, quelea birds, armyworms, and invasive plant diseases pose growing threats due to climate change, ecological shifts, and increased human and trade activity.
She said that uncontrolled pest outbreaks can force overuse of chemical pesticides, damaging soil health, water resources, and biodiversity, making an integrated, science-driven approach critical.
The updated strategy aims to strengthen early warning systems, rapid-response mechanisms, and coordinated pest surveillance, ensuring interventions protect both farmers’ livelihoods and the environment.
“Safeguarding crops from invasive pests is not only about food production—it’s about maintaining ecological balance and securing sustainable agriculture for future generations,” Iwendi added.
