The global plant quarantine community is set to converge in Abuja to discuss critical issues and challenges of plant health, food quality and food security.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Head of Media, Communication and Strategies, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr Chigozie Nwodo, announced that senior plant quarantine policymakers and administrators from all regions of the world will meet in Nigeria for the 31st Technical Consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organization (RPPOs) from Monday 21 to Friday 25 October 2019.
The statement noted that, ‘’this Technical Consultation is the very first to be held in Africa.
‘’As the National Plant Protection Organization for Nigeria, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has the honour to host the historic assembly on behalf of the country and the continent.’’
It further explained that the African Delegation to the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) deferentially conceded the right to host the 31st TC to Nigeria at the 12th session of the CPM in Incheon City, South Korea, in 2017 following high-stakes effort by the DG NAQS, Dr Vincent Isegbe.
Delegates at the Technical Consultation will comprise heads of plant protection bodies across the globe as well as staff members of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat domiciled in the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, is expected to declare the Technical Consultation open.
The 31st Technical Consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organization (RPPOs) will place the spotlight on the Nigerian plant health system and cast into bold relief Nigeria’s remarkable stature and standing in the international quarantine arena.
On the sidelines of the event, the Director-General of NAQS, Dr Vincent Isegbe, will advance interactions with potential partners to secure multiple points of access for Nigerian agricultural commodities in the export market.
News Credit: Nigerian Tribune