Poultry Farmers Urge Federal Government to Declare State of Emergency on Egg Production in Nigeria.
Written by Noble People Crew on 12 October 2024
The research organization reported that Nigeria’s poultry industry produces approximately 300 metric tons of meat and 650 metric tons of eggs annually.
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to declare an urgent “state of emergency” on egg production to ensure its accessibility and affordability for citizens. The PAN FCT Chairman, Pius Aminu, made this appeal while speaking to the press in Abuja during the World Egg Day celebration, which is observed annually on October 11. This year’s theme, “United by Eggs,” highlights the global importance of eggs as a nutritional powerhouse.
Aminu, represented by PAN FCT Secretary Hakeem Musa, attributed the decline in egg production and rising costs to the government’s long-term neglect of the poultry sector. He noted that government policies, such as the naira redesign and the removal of fuel subsidies, have led to increased transportation costs, higher prices for poultry feed, and increased labour expenses. Additionally, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and rising minimum wage levels have exacerbated the situation.
Aminu called for the government to prioritize egg production, warning against reliance on imports. Despite the challenges, he praised the resilience of poultry farmers, particularly in the FCT, for their efforts to maintain egg availability. However, he lamented that many farmers have been forced out of business, resulting in the closure of hundreds of farms nationwide, which has contributed to rising unemployment and social unrest.
He emphasized the poultry industry’s role as a major employer, particularly for low-income workers, with every farm employing at least four to five staff members. The closure of 100 farms, he noted, would significantly impact the unemployment rate.
Aminu also commended President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for establishing the Ministry of Livestock and Nutrition. However, he urged the government to involve PAN in policy-making, implementation, and intervention programs to address the sector’s challenges.
He highlighted the importance of eggs in global nutrition, stressing that this year’s World Egg Day celebration focuses on the egg’s ability to unite people across diverse cultures and regions. Aminu further noted that research has shown the health benefits of egg consumption, particularly in increasing High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), also known as good cholesterol, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.