Nigeria Has Successfully Prevented Invasive Plant Pests – Sabo Nanono

Posted by: Folamidavid in News, Politics Oct 22, 2019

Nigeria has successfully prevented the entry of invasive plant pests and other emerging pests, according to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono.

Sabo disclosed this at the ongoing 31st Technical Consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organisation (TC-RPPOs).

The Technical Consultation is the first to be held in Africa and is being hosted by Nigeria.

According to the minister, plant pests like Maize lethal Necrotic Disease, Fusarium Oxysporium spp Cubense (TR4) of banana, Cassava Brown Streak Disease do not exist in Nigeria.

His words, “Nigeria has over the years battled with and contained highly invasive plant pests such as Cocoa Swollen Shoot Disease, Tuta Absoluta, Tomato Moth, Banana Bunchy Top Disease,”

“Due to an elaborate pytosanitary administrative structure and pest surveillance system, Nigeria has succeeded in preventing the entry of invasive plant pests such as Maize lethal Necrotic Disease, Fusarium Oxysporium spp Cubense (TR4) of banana, Cassava Brown Streak Disease and other emerging pests.”

Director General NAQS, Vincent Isegbe also revealed that human population is developing and increasing the pressure on the food production system.

He said, “Myriad protracted conflicts are engendering scorched earth devastation of plant resources and enabling vicious cycles of starvation, malnutrition and poverty.”

“It is altering landscapes and livelihoods without discrimination, imposing a new normal of aggravated drought and flooding as well as the ascendancy of a wave of strange pests.”