Poultry Farmers Seek FG’s Support to Boost Production

News in brief:

-Poultry farmers have expressed concern that the proposed Nigeria–China poultry investment could undermine local producers.

-The association is urging the government to strengthen domestic poultry production instead.

Poultry farmers operating under the Poultry Association of Nigeria have urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise support for local producers to strengthen the domestic poultry sector.

The farmers made the call while reacting to a proposed $900 million poultry sector investment partnership between Nigeria and China.

Speaking in separate interviews in Lagos, leaders of the association expressed concerns that the partnership could negatively affect local poultry businesses if not properly implemented.

Proposed Investment Targets Large-Scale Egg Production

According to reports, the Federal Government is exploring a $900 million investment partnership with China aimed at establishing a large-scale poultry project capable of producing up to six million eggs daily.

The initiative is designed to help address Nigeria’s protein deficit and improve national food security.

The partnership also represents a shift in bilateral cooperation between the two countries, moving beyond infrastructure projects to broader collaboration in agriculture, industrial production and technology transfer.

Association Warns of Possible Impact on Local Producers

Vice President of the association in Lagos and Chairman of the Aiyedoto Poultry Farmers Settlement, Foluso Adams, urged the government to focus on strengthening local poultry production rather than relying on foreign-backed projects.

According to him, empowering domestic poultry farmers would enhance food security, while also creating opportunities for Nigeria to export poultry products to neighbouring countries.

Adams warned that introducing large-scale foreign investment without adequate safeguards could undermine existing agricultural investors in the country.

Stakeholders Cite Purchasing Power and Market Challenges

Also speaking, the National Publicity Secretary of PAN, Godwin Egbebe, expressed reservations about the proposed partnership, saying it could have negative implications for the local poultry industry.

He emphasised that the main challenge facing the sector is not production capacity but the weak purchasing power of consumers.

Egbebe explained that even if egg production increases significantly, many Nigerians may still be unable to afford the products due to prevailing economic conditions.

Farmers Seek Stakeholder Consultation Before Policy Decisions

Egbebe also urged the government to consult widely with industry stakeholders before entering into major investment agreements affecting the poultry sector.

He said engagement with poultry farmers and other stakeholders would help policymakers better understand the challenges within the industry and ensure that new initiatives support, rather than undermine, local production.