Farmers of poultry lose N100 million in a single year.

The chicken Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN) FCT branch has expressed worry on the closure of more than 127 chicken farms in Abuja and the subsequent financial loss of over N100 million in the past year. This situation has been attributed to the significant increase in feed costs and the removal of fuel subsidies.

During the World Egg Day celebrations in Abuja, Secretary of Association Musa Hakeem expressed concern over the numerous challenges faced by the industry. Hakeem highlighted that the industry is currently grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implementation of a cashless policy by the Central Bank and the removal of fuel subsidies. Additionally, the high cost of maize and the unavailability of materials for animal feeds have further exacerbated the situation, leading to the closure of several farms.

Hakeem emphasized the necessity of immediate assistance from the FCT Minister, Nyeson Wike, as he highlighted the challenges faced by numerous farms in the FCT in maintaining their viability.

Furthermore, the individual expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of government assistance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They emphasized that they have only been made aware of government interventions through news reports, and despite reporting the destruction of certain farms in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) caused by strong winds earlier this year to the Animal Husbandry department of the FCT, they have yet to receive any form of support.

He expressed the need for the FCT minister to provide substantial support to the poultry business in the FCT, with the aim of attracting further investors and generating employment opportunities for women and youngsters.

Abdullahi Abduljabar, a representative of the Poultry Association FCT chapter, has observed that the issues faced by the industry extend beyond the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and encompass the whole poultry sector. He asserts that the business experiences ongoing losses in terms of investments and substantial financial resources from well-intentioned investors who sought to contribute to its expansion.

The individual acknowledged the consistent upward trend in egg pricing in recent times, asserting that the price hike is not intended to impose a burden on customers. Rather, it is attributed to the issues faced by farmers, specifically the fluctuating costs of feed.

The individual noted that there has been a noticeable decline in the quality of poultry feeds, resulting in a major impact on the production output of layer hens. As an example, a farm that previously yielded 50 crates of eggs now struggles to produce a mere 15 crates.

We urge the appropriate authorities to investigate these concerns in order to prevent the potential collapse of the sector.

According to Ibrahim Lamidi, the ex-officio representative of the North Central Poultry Association of Nigeria, the current farm gate price for eggs stands at N2500. In light of this, we kindly request the FCT minister to consider incorporating eggs into the school food program, as they are of significant nutritional value for school children.

According to his statement, the expensive transportation of chicken feed poses a challenge for poultry farmers in meeting the demand. However, if they are allowed to partake in the school feeding program, it will greatly assist farmers in recovering from this setback and contribute to ensuring a sufficient supply of eggs in society.