The present import limitation policy on chicken and poultry products, especially frozen poultry products and table eggs, has been requested to be maintained by the federal government. In a recent interview, Sunday Ezeobiora, the National President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), which represents poultry producers nationwide, made this request.
Ezeobiora emphasized that any country interested in conducting poultry business with Nigeria should invest in local production. He suggested that such foreign businesses could partner with local investors to produce poultry in Nigeria and export to other West African nations under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). He expressed concern over increasing campaigns by Western powers and local collaborators advocating for the lifting of the ban on frozen poultry imports, stating that such actions would impoverish Nigeria and turn it into a dumping ground for foreign poultry products.
The president of the PAN also advocated for increasing investment in rural poultry development projects that benefit the underprivileged. He emphasized the importance of improving rural infrastructure as well as agricultural research and development in order to create jobs and reduce rural-urban migration. He emphasized that if given the right support, youngsters and women can play an important role in growing the poultry business.
Ezeobiora urged the government to invest in active surveillance mechanisms to monitor and control diseases affecting the poultry industry. He highlighted Avian Influenza (AI) as one of the major threats that require urgent intervention. He advocated for investments in both passive and active surveillance systems to keep poultry diseases under control, stressing that only holistic measures can safeguard the industry.
Another critical issue he raised was the burden of multiple taxation on agricultural commodities and poultry products. He urged the Joint Tax Board to review and possibly abolish illegal revenue collection agencies or task forces that impose excessive taxes on poultry businesses. He emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) should take an active role in addressing these tax-related concerns.
Ezeobiora also advocated for increased synergy and fiscal incentives to encourage better engagement and collaboration across government agencies, industry players, and policymakers. He emphasized the importance of a well-coordinated policy framework that would reduce present misunderstandings and conflicts between regulatory agencies and poultry sector operators. He suggested that government policies be streamlined to provide a favorable climate for chicken growers.
Despite the efforts made by the government to boost poultry production through various agricultural programs, Ezeobiora lamented that the industry is facing serious challenges. He pointed out that many poultry farms have shut down due to the current economic downturn, lack of adequate support, and inconsistent policies. He also noted that while previous agricultural policies had positive impacts, the lack of continuity and sustained efforts have led to setbacks in the industry.
He further highlighted how external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, currency revaluation policies, and economic reforms have worsened the situation for poultry farmers. He urged the government to introduce zero-duty tariffs on imported micro-inputs for poultry production and exempt poultry-related equipment from other taxes. This, he said, would significantly reduce production costs, which have been exacerbated by the devaluation of the naira.
Ezeobiora recommended a ten- to twenty-year strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of long-term sustainable policies. He underlined that these measures have to take into account Nigeria’s expanding population and changing consumer tastes. He urged the government to work with business executives to create all-encompassing regulations that would help chicken growers and increase output.
Finally, he asked the government to build vital poultry infrastructure and improve the value chain, especially for vulnerable populations. He proposed the establishment of a separate Poultry Development Fund inside the National Agricultural Development Fund. He stated that going from talk to action by revising legislation, creating a business-friendly climate, and assisting rural poultry farmers will secure the poultry industry’s long-term viability and expansion in Nigeria.
