Communique Nigeria Roundtable Discussions - 08-09 June 2015, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) is a flagship program of CAADP at the African Union Commission. Nigeria has been selected as the six focus country of PACA using multi-criteria based pilot country selection process that was carried out in consultation with RECs and other stakeholders in 2014. Nigerian government has confirmed to jointly work with the AU Commission as one of the sixth PACA focus countries. The initial situation analysis conducted by Abt Associates Inc. on behalf of PACA demonstrated the significant extent of the aflatoxin problem in Nigeria. In addition, one-in-two ECOWAS inhabitants live in Nigeria. Thus, the engagement of Nigeria as focus country is strategic. As the PACA Secretariat focuses on building capacity of country governments, the readiness for action on combatting aflatoxins by country governments is deemed critical. Nigeria demonstrated this readiness, further concretizing its position as the sixth potential PACA pilot country. The PACA Secretariat works closely with ECOWAS and local country stakeholders to support the preparation, execution, and oversight of government-led, and stakeholder aligned country plan. A round table meeting was held between the AUC, ECOWAS and Nigeria Government and other stake holders on 8-9 June 2015 in Abuja, Nigeria to launch the country process and build consensus on approaches and timelines as well as roles and responsibilities.