The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has issued an urgent plea to the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on egg production.
The call comes as the sector grapples with various challenges, including rising production costs, which have led to farm closures, increased unemployment, and a significant reduction in egg availability across the country.
Addressing the media on World Egg Day, PAN FCT Chapter Chairman, Pius Aminu, highlighted the impact of unfavorable government policies on the industry. “The poultry industry has faced several setbacks due to the naira redesign and fuel subsidy removal, which have escalated transportation, feed, and labor costs,” he stated.
The ripple effects of these challenges are being felt nationwide, with hundreds of poultry farms shutting down. The closure of these farms has had a direct impact on employment, particularly for lower-income workers, who form the backbone of this labor-intensive sector. “For every farm that closes, the unemployment rate climbs. This is an industry that provides livelihoods to thousands, especially in the lower cadre,” Aminu added.
The high cost of poultry feed, driven by inflation and foreign exchange fluctuations, has made it difficult for many farmers to stay afloat. As a result, Nigeria’s egg production has plummeted, threatening food security and nutrition across the country.
PAN has called on the government to implement policies that would ease the cost burden on poultry farmers, particularly through subsidies on feed and transportation, to stabilize the sector.
World Egg Day, celebrated annually on October 11, served as a backdrop for PAN’s plea. This year’s theme, “United by Eggs,” underscored the importance of eggs in human nutrition and their ability to unite people across cultures and regions.
Research has shown that regular egg consumption can significantly improve health outcomes, particularly by increasing good cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease, and providing an affordable source of high-quality protein.
In spite of these known benefits, the cost of eggs has skyrocketed, making them unaffordable for many Nigerians. Aminu noted that the Federal Government’s neglect of the poultry sub-sector, compared to other agricultural sectors, has compounded the issue. He urged the government to involve PAN in policy-making decisions to ensure that interventions are both timely and effective.
The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock and Nutrition by President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was lauded by PAN as a positive step. However, Aminu emphasized that more needs to be done to cushion the effects of the current economic strain on farmers. “We need a concerted effort from the government, including subsidies, better foreign exchange policies, and support programs, to rescue the poultry industry and prevent further losses,” he said.
The call for a state of emergency is rooted in the urgent need to stabilize the sector before the situation worsens. Without immediate action, PAN warns that the egg industry may face irreversible damage, with long-term consequences for Nigeria’s food security and economy.
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