The poultry industry in Nigeria, which was once prosperous, is now confronting a severe crisis. The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has issued a warning, revealing a concerning 30% shutdown of poultry farms within the first six months of 2024. This is not just a result of a sudden drop in the market but rather a direct outcome of the severe economic struggle that the country is facing. The culprit, as identified by Godwin Egbebe, the National Publicity Secretary of PAN, is the excessively high operational expenses. The significant increase in costs has not only led to the closure of farms but has also caused a notable rise in egg prices across the country.
Egbebe’s voice carries an urgent plea for government intervention. He paints a grim picture, highlighting the severity of the situation. A crate of eggs, which cost between N2,500 and N3,200 at the beginning of the year, has seen a dramatic price hike, reaching a staggering N4,200 by June. This price surge isn’t happening in isolation; it coincides with Nigeria’s worrying inflation rates. Numbers don’t lie – the National Bureau of Statistics reports a national inflation rate of a troubling 33.95% in May 2024. Even more concerning is the food inflation rate, which has reached a critical level of 40.66%.
Egbebe’s message is a stark warning: the poultry sector risks further decline without immediate intervention. This domino effect wouldn’t just impact the industry itself; it has the potential to exacerbate existing food shortages and push inflation even higher. Imagine a scenario where poultry farms continue to close down. The resulting decrease in chicken and egg production would lead to a scarcity of these essential protein sources. This scarcity, coupled with already high inflation, would drive food prices even further out of reach for the average Nigerian citizen. This vicious cycle would not only threaten the livelihoods of millions who depend on the poultry industry but could also trigger social unrest due to food insecurity.
The government has a critical role to play in preventing this crisis from escalating. PAN’s plea for intervention is a call for concrete action. Measures to address the rising cost of poultry feed, a major contributor to operational costs, are essential. This could involve initiatives such as subsidizing key ingredients or facilitating access to cheaper alternatives. Additionally, policies aimed at strengthening the naira, Nigeria’s currency, could help reduce the impact of inflation on imported poultry farming supplies.
The future of Nigeria’s poultry industry hangs in the balance. Urgent action is needed to prevent further farm closures and ensure the continued availability of affordable protein sources for the nation’s population. By addressing the economic hardships crippling the industry, the government can not only save the poultry sector but also contribute to stabilizing food security and inflation, ultimately protecting the well-being of millions of Nigerians.
