Urgent Government Action Needed to Revitalize Nigeria’s Poultry Industry
The Poultry Association of Nigeria has raised concerns about the critical challenges facing the country’s poultry industry, urging immediate Federal Government intervention. These challenges, described as “crippling,” are threatening the sector’s ability to meet Nigeria’s growing demand for affordable protein and exacerbating the nation’s protein deficit.
At the Poultry Summit 2026, held in Ilorin, Kwara State, the National President of the association, Sunday Ezeobiora, emphasized that inadequate funding remains a fundamental issue for poultry farmers nationwide. He highlighted the lack of accessible and affordable credit facilities, along with limited government-backed intervention funds, as major obstacles to expansion and investment in the sector.
Ezeobiora called for deliberate financial support to prevent further decline in poultry production. He urged the Federal Government to introduce low-interest agricultural loans and poultry-specific intervention programs. Additionally, he stressed the need for stable policies, improved infrastructure, reliable power supply, and fair market regulations to protect farmers from exploitative practices.
Without strategic intervention, the sector may struggle to meet the country’s increasing demand for animal protein, which could worsen malnutrition and food insecurity. This sentiment was echoed by Abdulwaheed Kolapo, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, who noted that farmers are grappling with high feed costs, scarcity of raw materials, and limited access to finance.
Kolapo explained that one of the key problems is the lack of funds to operate businesses effectively. He appealed to the Federal Government to make feed materials more accessible at reduced prices, arguing that lower costs would allow farmers to sell products at lower rates, thereby increasing consumption.
He also emphasized the economic and nutritional value of poultry, calling it a strategic solution to Nigeria’s food challenges. “You cannot eat money. Poultry is the cheapest animal protein you can get. Medically, it is proven that it is healthier than taking red meat,” he said. Kolapo added that companies like Olam and Valentine have shown interest in investing in Kwara State, highlighting the potential for growth.
The Role of Poultry in National Nutrition
Dr James Wageti, a prominent poultry veterinarian and industry consultant, addressed the summit as a guest speaker. He described poultry farming as the backbone of affordable protein and a vital catalyst for improving national nutrition. He noted that broilers reach 2kg live weight within 28 to 35 days, while layers begin laying eggs at 18 weeks with over 80% production at 22 weeks. This quick return on investment makes poultry farming more efficient compared to cattle, sheep, or goat farming.
Wageti also highlighted the accessibility of poultry farming, noting that it requires relatively small land space and can be practiced in backyards, small farms, or large commercial operations. This makes it accessible to a wide range of Nigerians. Furthermore, chicken and eggs are widely accepted across religious and cultural lines, reinforcing their role as a unifying and affordable protein source.
He outlined critical areas where government intervention is needed, including reducing feed costs through subsidies for maize and soybean, promoting alternative local feed ingredients, strengthening vaccine production and disease surveillance systems, and investing in hatcheries and breeding development to reduce import dependence.
Additionally, Wageti called for affordable agricultural loans, poultry-specific intervention funds, improved electricity supply, better rural road networks, the establishment of slaughterhouses and cold chain systems, and regular training and extension services for farmers.
Government Commitment to Poultry Development
The Minister for Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, underscored the sector’s potential, noting that although Nigeria has over 500 million birds, per capita chicken consumption remains around two kilograms annually—far below the global average of 17 kilograms. He attributed this to issues of access and affordability rather than a lack of preference for chicken.
Maiha also highlighted the broader implications of the protein deficit, stating that about 45% of Nigerians do not consume protein daily, while 37% of children under five suffer from stunted growth.
Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Dr Afees Abolore Alabi, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, assured stakeholders of sustained government support. He described poultry production as “a strategic pillar of food security, job creation for youth and women, and economic growth,” promising continued efforts to create an enabling environment for farmers and investors.
Key Challenges and Solutions
To address these challenges, the following steps are crucial:
- Financial Support: Introduce low-interest agricultural loans and poultry-specific intervention funds to help farmers access necessary resources.
- Feed Costs: Implement subsidies for essential feed ingredients like maize and soybean to reduce costs for farmers.
- Infrastructure Development: Improve electricity supply, rural road networks, and establish slaughterhouses and cold chain systems to enhance efficiency.
- Training and Extension Services: Provide regular training and support to farmers to improve productivity and sustainability.
- Policy Stability: Ensure consistent and supportive policies that protect farmers from exploitation and encourage investment.
By addressing these areas, the poultry sector can expand rapidly, create jobs, and significantly improve the availability of affordable protein across Nigeria.
