12/05/2026
NAQS MARKS 2026 IDPH WITH STRATEGIC STAKEHOLDERS SEMINAR
The Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) today hosted a high-level seminar in commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Plant Health (IDPH), bringing together government officials, development partners, stakeholders in the agricultural sector, and international organizations to promote awareness on the importance of plant health to food security, safe trade, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NAQS Governing Board, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, emphasized the critical role plant health plays in national development and urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration towards safeguarding Nigeria’s agricultural resources from pests and diseases.
In his remarks, the Comptroller General of NAQS, Dr. Vincent Isegbe, highlighted the Service’s continued efforts in protecting the country’s agricultural economy through effective quarantine measures, surveillance, inspections, and international partnerships. He noted that healthy plants remain fundamental to achieving food sufficiency, export competitiveness, and sustainable livelihoods.
The FAO Country Representative commended Nigeria’s commitment to advancing plant health initiatives and reaffirmed the organization’s support towards strengthening phytosanitary systems, capacity development, and regional cooperation in line with global best practices.
Other stakeholders INCLUDING WAVE Nigeria, FACAN, NINAS, NASC, AHFEN, and NBMA at the seminar called for increased public awareness, stronger inter-agency collaboration, adoption of modern technologies, and greater investment in plant protection systems to address emerging plant health threats and ensure safer agricultural trade.
The seminar formed the climax of activities lined up by NAQS to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Plant Health.
Signed:
SQ. R. USman
O/C Media