The CG granted audience to seven officers of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) following their successful courtesy and assessment visit to the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), to formally briefed the Comptroller General (CG) on their experiences and key takeaways.
During the debriefing session, the officers shared insights gained from the TPHPA’s operational framework, including its advanced laboratory systems, e-certification processes, and collaborative strategies for managing plant health threats. They highlighted specific areas of learning, particularly in disease surveillance, pest management, and the application of technology to phytosanitary procedures.
In his remarks, the Comptroller General expressed his delight at the officers’ participation and learning outcomes. He emphasized that the visit aligns with the agency’s ongoing commitment to Human Capital Development, describing such engagements as vital to enhancing NAQS’ institutional capacity.
“I’m glad you went and learned. That’s the goal,” the CG stated. “We are building a culture where officers take personal growth and professional development seriously. Management is committed to supporting initiatives that allow our personnel to learn, grow, and contribute more effectively to our mandate.”
He further stressed that the era of knowledge gaps within the agency is over. According to him, senior officers must now actively create opportunities for junior officers to gain exposure and experience. “We must move as one team. Senior officers should be intentional about mentoring and giving room for the younger generation to rise,” he added.
The CG reaffirmed that the management remains focused on equipping its workforce with the tools, exposure, and knowledge needed to position NAQS as a frontline agency in plant health, biosecurity, and trade facilitation across the continent.
