The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has urged the federal government to sustain the import restriction on Poultry products to protect the local industry from becoming a dumping ground for foreign goods. PAN’s national president, Ichie Sunday Ezeobiora, highlighted the sector’s precarious state, citing issues like skyrocketing feed costs, policy inconsistencies, and multiple taxation. He called for the abolition of illegal Revenue collection and emphasised the need for increased Investment in rural poultry initiatives to reduce urban migration and empower youth and women in poultry farming.
Ezeobiora warned that without decisive intervention, the poultry industry’s decline could worsen, leading to further farm closures. He noted that the challenges facing the industry, ranging from rising production costs to burdensome taxes, have already forced many farmers out of business. He also emphasised that pro-poor rural poultry development programmes could play a crucial role in revitalising the sector by increasing investments in research, infrastructure, and agriculture. These programmes would not only boost the poultry industry but also contribute to Nigeria’s overall economic growth, improving food security, enhancing local job opportunities, and reducing the dependency on imported poultry products.
Rising feed costs and taxation are hurting poultry farmers.
Building on Ezeobiora’s call for intervention, the poultry industry’s struggles mirror Nigeria’s broader agricultural challenges, where Inflation and inconsistent policies strain production capacities. Skyrocketing feed costs, influenced by both global supply chain disruptions and local inefficiencies, have eroded farmers’ profit margins. Many farmers are now unable to compete with the lower prices of imported poultry products, threatening the industry’s survival. Addressing these economic challenges requires more than temporary fixes; it demands a holistic approach that strengthens domestic production and lowers operational costs.
In alignment with this approach, multiple Taxation remains another significant hurdle. Overlapping levies imposed by various state agencies discourage investment and reduce profitability. Farmers often face redundant fees, including unofficial charges from local task forces, which further erode their already thin profit margins. These levies create confusion and increase the cost of operations, forcing many farmers to operate under financial strain. With limited capital after meeting these obligations, they find it challenging to invest in essential improvements such as better feed, modern equipment, or enhanced infrastructure. A unified and transparent Tax policy, guided by the Joint Tax Board, could eliminate these inefficiencies, making revenue collection standardised and fair.
Rural development and research hold the key to poultry’s future.
Moreover, as Ezeobiora proposed, increased investment in rural poultry development could foster resilience and Sustainability in the industry. Improving rural infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, would help farmers transport goods efficiently and reduce losses. Access to affordable credit could enable farmers to purchase better equipment and maintain quality feed, while technical support and training programmes would encourage modern farming practices. These efforts could reduce youth Unemployment and rural-urban migration by creating viable livelihoods in agriculture, ultimately strengthening local economies and food production systems.
Furthermore, prioritising agricultural research could help address the technical challenges that undermine Productivity in the poultry industry. Increased research into cost-effective feed alternatives, improved disease control strategies, and innovative breeding techniques could fill critical gaps that drive up production costs. Partnerships between research institutions, universities, and private stakeholders would facilitate the application of scientific findings, ensuring practical and impactful solutions. Additionally, establishing regional research centres dedicated to poultry farming could decentralise Innovation and allow for location-specific advancements, directly benefiting the industry..
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Altogether, revitalising Nigeria’s poultry industry requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. In addition to policy reforms and investments, consumer awareness campaigns could encourage the purchase of locally produced poultry. This shift in consumer habits would boost demand and contribute to a sense of Patriotism and economic self-reliance. A thriving poultry sector has the potential to significantly enhance Nigeria’s Food Security and economic stability, but real progress will depend on immediate and sustained action from both the public and private sectors.