The platform was launched during the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) Regional Convening in Abuja.
The three-day meeting brought together ministers, commissioners of agriculture, heads of National Plant Protection Organisations, WAVE country directors, representatives of regional and international organisations, the diplomatic community and other stakeholders from West and Central Africa.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, described the gathering as a celebration of partnership and Africa’s shared commitment to protecting crops that feed millions.
He said healthy crops remain central to food security, improved farmers’ incomes and sustainable economic development across the continent.
“The work of WAVE is so timely and important. Without healthy crops, we cannot guarantee sufficient food, improve farmers’ incomes, or achieve sustainable economic development,” he said.
The minister warned that transboundary pests and diseases continue to threaten agricultural productivity, livelihoods and trade across the region.
He identified Fall Armyworm, Cassava Brown Streak Disease, Banana Bunchy Top Virus and Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease as some of the major threats confronting farmers.
He stressed that early detection and coordinated regional responses are becoming increasingly urgent as the pests and diseases continue to spread faster due to climate change
Abdullahi said the new digital platform aligns with commitments contained in paragraph 14 of the Abuja Declaration, which urges African countries to strengthen plant health systems through technology and regional cooperation.
“The declaration encourages countries to strengthen surveillance and early warning systems, as well promote Integrated Pest Management to reduce reliance on chemicals.”
He added that the new platform, would enable governments to respond faster during disease outbreaks.
“The tool will enable governments to make faster, evidence-based decisions during disease outbreaks and deploy limited resources more effectively through targeted interventions.”
The minister disclosed that Nigeria had been selected as the demonstration country for the tool, reflecting its commitment to modernising agriculture and strengthening pest surveillance.
He acknowledged the partnership of the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) and other national, regional and international institutions supporting stronger plant health systems across Africa.
Abdullahi stressed that protecting plant health cannot be left to governments alone but requires researchers, universities, extension workers, development partners, private organisations, farmer groups and local communities.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a resilient, productive and technology-driven agricultural sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, Dr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said transboundary pests and plant diseases require collective action because they do not respect national borders.
“Our response must be collective, coordinated, science-driven, and sustained because the challenges posed by these transboundary pests and plants know no boundaries,” he said.
Ogunbiyi urged participants to use the convening to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions for a more resilient and food-secure West and Central Africa.
He said the ministry remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s plant health systems, promoting integrated pest management, enhancing agricultural biosecurity and building strategic partnerships.
Addressing participants, Prof. Justin Pita, WAVE’s Executive Director of WAVE, said the initiative would focus on predicting and controlling viral diseases threatening cassava, yam and sweet potato production.
The event also featured the unveiling of the WAVE Research Logo, symbolising scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration and resilience in strengthening Africa’s food systems.
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