By HeapNews
In a bold step toward rethinking Nigeria’s public health strategy, pest control and environmental health stakeholders gathered in Lagos on July 24 for the Pest Management Conference, a landmark event aimed at shifting the nation’s focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention through sustainable pest and vector management.
The conference, organized by PCO Fortune Oluleye, Founder and CEO of DFortune and PestShop.ng, brought together a diverse group of professionals and policymakers under the theme “Advancing Public Health Through Sustainable Pest and Vector Management Practices.”
“This conference is an opportunity to gather industry practitioners, government agencies, and the public to reflect on the broader challenges pests pose to our health, food security, and economic development,” Oluleye said.
He criticized Nigeria’s tendency to prioritize clinical care, “hospitals, drugs, injections”, while neglecting the root causes of many health problems, such as mosquitoes, rats, and cockroaches. “Pest management is not just about sanitation; it’s about prevention, and ultimately, sustainability,” he emphasized.
Oluleye warned that pest infestations are not only health hazards but also significant contributors to hunger. “We lose a large percentage of our food to pests before it ever reaches the market,” he said, urging for environmentally responsible pest control that protects both human life and ecological balance.
In a goodwill message, PCO Kunle Williams, National President of the Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN), echoed these concerns and highlighted the sector’s importance to national development.
“The theme of this conference is not only timely, it is vital to our nation’s wellbeing,” Williams stated. “From malaria and Lassa fever to food spoilage and home infestations, pests remain a significant threat to our society.”
Williams also raised alarm over the rise of unqualified pest control operators, calling for stronger regulatory frameworks and more robust industry oversight. “We urge all pest control operators to register with PECAN to benefit from continuous professional development, technical support, and a unified front against malpractice,” he said.
The event featured technical sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions of eco-friendly pest control solutions. Attendees included licensed pest professionals, environmental health officers, public health advocates, educators, and government representatives.
In its closing resolution, participants agreed on the urgent need to invest in professional training, promote preventive strategies, and adopt practices that protect both people and the environment.