FCT Chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has urged the government to promptly declare a State of Emergency regarding egg production in Nigeria. This request arises due to the ongoing difficulties encountered by the Poultry sector, resulting in a marked drop in egg output and a notable price surge. On World Egg Day, the organisation emphasises the urgent requirement for measures to guarantee that eggs remain affordable and within reach for the people of Nigeria. Focusing on enhancing egg production, tackling economic challenges, and guaranteeing sufficient assistance for farmers will empower Nigeria to bolster its Food Security and offer its people accessible, nutritious options.
During a press conference in Abuja marking World Egg Day on October 11, Pius Aminu, the Chairman of the PAN FCT Chapter, expressed his worries. This year’s theme, “United by Eggs,” highlighted the essential nutritional importance and widespread popularity of eggs in diets around the world. Aminu, speaking through the PAN Secretary, Hakeem Musa, pointed to years of governmental oversight in the poultry sector as the reason for the fall in egg production, which has made the industry susceptible to various economic challenges.
Several poultry producers have had to shut down operations.
The poultry industry is facing rising expenses that significantly affect its output. He highlighted several contributing elements, including governmental actions like the Naira redesign and the elimination of fuel subsidies. These changes have increased transportation expenses, skyrocketing feed costs, and greater labour expenditures. The chicken farming sector is experiencing a persistent emergency, and the government’s negligence towards this industry has resulted in a swift drop in egg output. People can’t keep depending on imports to satisfy their egg needs, and the government must tackle this problem immediately.
Also, the impact of these difficulties has been drastic. Numerous poultry producers have had to shut down operations, leading to the closure of countless farms nationwide. This situation has caused a notable increase in joblessness and rising Unemployment figures, especially in rural regions where poultry farming is essential for supporting local economies. The poultry sector offers crucial job opportunities, especially for economically disadvantaged communities. A farm needs a minimum of four to five employees to function, and the shutdown of these farms has resulted in higher unemployment and social tensions.
Stakeholders should actively participate in shaping policies.
Despite these obstacles, Aminu praised the perseverance and dedication of poultry producers throughout Nigeria, especially within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who strive relentlessly to ensure a steady supply of eggs amid growing challenges. He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s formation of the Ministry of Livestock and Nutrition, which he anticipates will tackle several industry issues. Aminu underscored the importance of PAN’s active participation in shaping policies, executing them, and engaging in programs designed to ease the industry’s challenges.
Celebrated each year, World Egg Day aims to honour the vital role of eggs in diets. This showcases the remarkable health advantages they offer. Eggs revolutionise nutrition, pointing to research indicating that eating a minimum of two eggs each day over a span of 40 days can elevate levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as good cholesterol. Elevated HDL cholesterol is associated with a reduced likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and various health problems, positioning eggs as a cost-effective option for vital nutrients.
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Nigeria’s poultry sector is a significant contributor to Agriculture across Africa. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) reports that Nigeria leads the continent in egg production every year and has the second-largest chicken population in Africa. This sector in Nigeria consists of around 180 million birds, including 80 million in extensive farming, 60 million in semi-intensive operations, and 40 million in intensive farming systems. These activities generate as much as 300 metric tons of meat and 650 metric tons of eggs annually, crucial in supporting the nation’s food security.