The IITA Germplasm Health Unit (GHU) hosted a warm and reflective commemorative dinner to honor more than five decades of impactful partnership with the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) recently. The evening marked a longstanding collaboration that has strengthened safe germplasm exchange, ensured phytosanitary compliance, and facilitated the development of resilient agricultural systems in Nigeria and across Africa.
The NAQS delegation was led by Comptroller General (CG) Dr Vincent Isegbe and included senior officials such as Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Dr Joy Ivbade Ichue; Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Dr Akindele Ogunfunmilayo; and Dr Kazeem Adewale, Head of the NAQS Post-entry Quarantine Station in Ibadan, along with about 20 officers.
The event was presided over by IITA Deputy Director General for Research for Development (R4D), Dr Bernard Vanlauwe, representing the IITA Director General, and by Professor Michael Abberton, Director of the West Africa Hub and Head of the Genetic Resources Center (GRC). Other IITA participants included Head of Breeding, Dr Hapson Mushoriwa; Pathology and Mycotoxin/Aflasafe Lead, Dr Alejandro Ortega-Beltrán; Molecular Geneticist, Dr Ranjana Bhattacharjee; and Head of Communication, Katherine Lopez.
GHU members Oluwole Oguntade and Deborah Ajamu introduced the guests and anchored the program.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Lava Kumar, Head of IITA-GHU, highlighted that the IITA–NAQS partnership dates back to IITA’s early years and has grown into a mutually beneficial collaboration rooted in trust, shared purpose, and a longstanding commitment to plant health and biosecurity. He recalled NAQS’ 2021 “Service Support Award” to IITA, which recognized the Institute’s contributions to fulfilling the NAQS mandate.
Dr Vanlauwe commended NAQS for its unwavering collaboration and applauded initiatives led by Dr Isegbe to strengthen the agency, including major staff recruitment and the establishment of a new diagnostic laboratory in Benue State. Prof. Abberton emphasized the importance of international germplasm exchange, highlighting NAQS’s role as a frontline defense against transboundary pests and diseases and its strong cooperation with IITA’s GHU in supporting genebanks and crop improvement programs.
The centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of the “Award of Best Enabling Partner” to NAQS. Delivered by Dr Vanlauwe, the award recognized NAQS’ steadfast commitment to national biosecurity, its leadership in safeguarding agricultural resources, and its contribution to global food security and biodiversity conservation.
Receiving the award, Dr Vincent Isegbe expressed deep gratitude to IITA for its dedication to research, innovation, and capacity building. He underscored IITA’s vital role in improving food security and enhancing livelihoods across Nigeria, noting that its contributions are acknowledged and appreciated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Dr Isegbe also highlighted NAQS’ mandate to prevent the entry and spread of pests, diseases, and contaminants, protecting plant, animal, and aquatic resources while enabling international trade. He noted that NAQS currently certifies more than 30 export commodities—from grains and oil seeds to roots, tubers, spices, honey, and even cow horns—supporting a thriving agribusiness sector.
IITA further recognized two NAQS units—the Southwest Zonal Station (received by Dr Joy Ivbade Ichue) and the Post-entry Quarantine Station (received by Dr Kazeem)—with “Awards of Appreciation” for their longstanding collaboration.
In closing, Dr Kumar acknowledged the professionalism of NAQS officers who, while trusting IITA’s commitment to international phytosanitary standards, continue to uphold the principle of “trust but verify,” ensuring full compliance with national and global regulations.
The celebration marked a significant milestone and reaffirmed the shared vision of IITA and NAQS in building safe, resilient, and productive agricultural systems for Nigeria and the region.
Contributed by Folake Oduntan
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