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Domestic Pest outbreak

Nigeria Declares Agricultural Emergency Over Pests

Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Feb 13, 2026 · Last updated Feb 19, 2026

Sentiment
10
Attention
2
Articles
9
Market Impact
Direct
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the NewsDesk Dashboard

The declaration of a national agricultural emergency by Nigeria's Federal Government to combat pests affecting tomato and sugarcane production is expected to positively impact the agricultural sector. This intervention aims to boost food security and farmers' income, potentially leading to increased agricultural output and stability in related industries.

Agriculture Food Processing

Nigeria's Federal Government has declared a national agricultural emergency to address the widespread outbreak of Tuta absoluta and African sugarcane borer, pests severely threatening tomato and sugarcane production across the country. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, announced the emergency intervention at the Federal Crop Production Technology Transfer Station in Dan Hassan, Nigeria===Kano State. The initiative, supported by President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, focuses on sensitizing farmers and extension workers, distributing approved pest control inputs, and deploying integrated pest management strategies. Nigeria===Kano State was chosen as the launch site due to its significant role in irrigated agriculture. The intervention aims to curb the surge of these pests, which are impacting harvest, farmers' income, and agro-industrial investments, ultimately boosting food security and supporting millions of job opportunities. The Pest Control Division has also been upgraded to a full Federal Department of Plant Health and Pest Control Services to strengthen response capacity.

95 Nigeria===Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security flagged off emergency intervention to tackle pests
90 Nigeria declared a national agricultural emergency
60 Nigeria===Kano State pledged collaboration with Federal Government Nigeria
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The Nigeria===Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is leading the emergency intervention to curb the spread of Tuta absoluta and African sugarcane borer. They are responsible for sensitizing farmers, providing pest control inputs, and deploying integrated pest management strategies.
Importance 95 Sentiment 15
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Nigeria's Federal Government has declared a national agricultural emergency to tackle pest outbreaks affecting tomato and sugarcane production, aiming to boost food security and farmers' livelihoods. This intervention is expected to have a positive impact on the nation's agricultural sector.
Importance 90 Sentiment 10
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As the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi announced the emergency intervention and highlighted the government's commitment to tackling pests. He also announced the upgrade of the Pest Control Division to a full Federal Department of Plant Health and Pest Control Services.
Importance 80 Sentiment 10
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Nigeria===Kano State was selected as the launch site for the emergency intervention due to its strategic role as a major hub for irrigated agriculture and horticultural production. The state government has pledged collaboration with the Federal Government.
Importance 70 Sentiment 10
per
As the Permanent Secretary of the Nigeria===Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Ogunbiyi explained the science-driven and strategic nature of the intervention. He also advised farmers to avoid indiscriminate pesticide use.
Importance 60 Sentiment 5
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As the Governor of Nigeria===Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, lauded the intervention and pledged Nigeria===Kano State's collaboration with the Federal Government.
Importance 40 Sentiment 5
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President Bola Tinubu was commended for supporting the initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to enhance food security in Nigeria.
Importance 30 Sentiment 5
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