The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has intensified efforts to strengthen plant biosecurity measures as part of broader initiatives aimed at safeguarding food security and protecting the nation’s agricultural sector from harmful pests and diseases.
The agency stated that enhanced plant biosecurity remains critical to ensuring sustainable agricultural production, improving crop quality, and preventing the introduction and spread of invasive organisms capable of threatening food systems and economic stability.
According to NAQS stronger quarantine and inspection measures are necessary to protect local agricultural production and maintain compliance with international trade and phytosanitary standards.
Officials explained that the agency is focused on improving surveillance systems, border inspections, risk assessment procedures and stakeholder awareness to enhance the effectiveness of plant health management across the country.
Stakeholders within the agricultural sector noted that effective plant biosecurity frameworks play a significant role in reducing crop losses, improving productivity and supporting national food sufficiency goals.
Experts further stressed that increasing global trade and climate-related challenges have heightened the risks associated with transboundary pests and plant diseases making proactive biosecurity interventions more important than ever.
The agency also encouraged stronger collaboration among farmers, exporters, importers, research institutions and relevant government agencies to promote responsible agricultural practices and ensure safer movement of agricultural commodities.
NAQS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives capable of strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural resilience, improving food safety standards and enhancing the country’s competitiveness within regional and international agricultural markets.
