FG approves N13bn to fight grasshoppers, locust, birds in 12 northern states

The Federal Government has approved the sum of N13 billion intervention fund for the control of pests including grasshoppers, locust, birds in Nigeria.

According to the government, the intervention fund is to ensure uninterrupted agricultural activities during 2020 farming season, control transboundary pests and minimise the impact of the COVID–19 Pandemic as well as a guarantee both nutritional and national food security.

Tribune Online reports that the Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono stated this during the flag-off of the 2020 dry season control of Transboundary (MIGRATORY) pest (Quelea birds, locusts and grasshoppers) for 12 frontline Northern states held at Birnin Kebbi International Airport, Kebbi State over the weekend.

The minister noted that the present global COVID-19 pandemic and reports of desert locust outbreak in East Africa and the Middle East with the possibility of a spillover of the huge locust swarm into West Africa including Nigeria, necessitated the proactive measures, including control of all transboundary pests to ensure uninterrupted food supply in the country.

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Nanono emphasized that the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, “is very determined to fight any menace that would truncate the tremendous success recorded so far especially in the agricultural sector.

He noted that ‘’the choice of Kebbi State for the flag-off is deliberate, in view of the extensive agricultural activities in the state and the immense cooperation and collaboration of the state government in the implementation of agricultural interventions over the years.’’

He lauded the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and the other governors of the frontline states for their collaboration and cooperation with the ministry towards reducing the effect of the migratory pests (Quelea birds, locusts and grasshoppers) in the 12 states.

In his remarks, Governor Bagudu commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his vision and people orientated policies in the agricultural sector which he said, would ensure job creation, food security and boost the economy for the betterment of Nigerians.

The 12 frontline states are Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe and Borno.