The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its leadership in regional agriculture and food security as it hosts the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) Regional Convening, to strengthen surveillance of transboundary plant diseases across Africa.
Speaking during the official opening of the event held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, stated that the convening is a celebration of partnership and a reaffirmation of Africa’s collective responsibility to safeguard crops that feed millions, sustain economies, and secure the continent’s future.
Dr. Abdullahi noted that “Plant health is food security. Without healthy crops, we cannot guarantee sufficient food, improve farmers’ incomes, or achieve sustainable economic development. This is why the work of WAVE is so timely and important’’.
He pointed out that transboundary plant pests and diseases such as Fall Armyworm, Cassava Brown Streak Disease, Banana Bunchy Top Virus, and Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease continue to threaten productivity, livelihoods, and trade across the region.
He said that climate change is accelerating their spread and making early detection and coordinated response more urgent than ever.
“Paragraph 14 of the Abuja Declaration calls on all member states to domesticate regional protocols on plant health and to invest in digital surveillance systems. Today’s unveiling directly responds to that call,’’ Dr. Abdullahi noted.
The Minister said that ‘’the Declaration further outlines specific actions for member states, including strengthening surveillance and early warning systems for pests and diseases, and promoting Integrated Pest Management practices to reduce reliance on chemicals.’’
According to the Minister, the tool will enable governments to make faster, evidence-based decisions during disease outbreaks.
“By strengthening early warning and emergency response systems for transboundary pests and diseases, the platform also supports the growth of digital agriculture and data-driven policy making across the region,’’ Dr. Abdullahi stated.
He explained that Nigeria has been selected as the demonstration case for the tool, reflecting the country’s commitment to modernising agriculture and strengthening pest surveillance systems.
The Minister acknowledged the valuable partnership with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) and the many national, regional, and international institutions that continue to invest in strengthening plant health systems across the continent.
Dr. Abdullahi further emphasised that protecting plant health is not solely the responsibility of governments, stating that “It requires the active participation of researchers, universities, extension workers, development partners, private sector organisations, farmer associations, and local communities.”
The Minister urged participants to “exchange knowledge openly, challenge conventional thinking, and build stronger partnerships that will continue long after this meeting concludes.”
Dr. Abdullahi officially revealed the WAVE Research Logo, described as a symbol of scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, and resilience.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, called for collective, coordinated, science-driven, and sustained approach to the problem.
He also stated that as Nigeria implements the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry remains committed to strengthening national plant health systems, promoting integrated pest management, enhancing agricultural biosecurity, and fostering strategic partnerships that contribute to sustainable agricultural development and national food security.
During his Presentation on WAVE’s path to Impact, the Executive Director, the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE), Prof. Justin Pita said the initiative would focus on safeguarding food security by predicting and controlling viral diseases that threaten staple root and tuber crops like cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes.
The highlight of the event was the launch of the WAVE Rapid Response Decision Support Tool, a new digital platform that integrates real-time surveillance data, scientific analysis, and predictive modeling.
