The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has stated that the poultry industry serves as one of the quickest routes to achieving food security, creating employment, and generating wealth within the country.
The association maintains that the sector’s rapid production cycles make it an efficient engine for economic growth and nutritional stability. This position comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with high food inflation and a pressing need for affordable protein sources for its growing population.
By scaling up poultry production, PAN argues that the country can simultaneously address the protein deficit and provide jobs for a significant segment of the youth population. The association made this assertion in a recent statement regarding the industry’s role in national development.
Unlike many other agricultural sectors that require long gestation periods, the poultry value chain offers relatively quick turnover. This chain encompasses several sub-sectors, including hatcheries, feed mills, poultry farms, and meat processing plants, all of which contribute to the broader economy.
However, despite this potential, the industry faces significant hurdles that limit its ability to meet national demand. The rising cost of poultry feed, which is primarily driven by the increasing prices of maize and soybeans, remains a primary concern for producers across the country.
Structural challenges to poultry growth
The volatility of the naira has also impacted the cost of essential inputs, such as vaccines and specialised poultry equipment, which are often imported. These rising operational expenses have forced many small-scale farmers to reduce their flock sizes or exit the business, directly affecting local supply chains.
Insecurity in many of Nigeria’s agricultural belts has further complicated matters. The movement of poultry products and the safety of farmers in rural areas remain ongoing concerns that disrupt consistent production and distribution.
Industry stakeholders have noted that for the poultry sector to achieve its potential, there is a need for targeted interventions. These include providing easier access to low-interest credit, stabilizing the prices of agricultural inputs, and improving the security of farm settlements.
The association is expected to engage with federal and state agricultural agencies to advocate for policies that protect poultry producers from further economic shocks.
Explore more Business stories from Business Elites Africa.
