Nigeria’s poultry sector is one of the most vibrant and structured segments of its livestock industry. Once dominated by small rural operators, the industry has evolved into a more commercialised and systematised operation, now worth an estimated $4.2 billion, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. Despite its growth and local market dominance, the poultry industry is still grappling with significant challenges, chief among them being the shortage of maize for feed production. However, experts argue that with strategic interventions, Nigeria has the potential to become a major poultry exporter, especially within Africa and beyond.
Currently, Nigeria’s poultry products are largely consumed locally, with some informal trade occurring within the ECOWAS sub-region. Yet, analysts believe that the country could break into the international market if it aligns with global food safety and quality standards. Dr. Junaidu Maina, a renowned livestock expert, emphasizes that the logical next step for the industry is to explore international poultry export markets. According to him, this can be achieved by complying with the World Trade Organisation’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius guidelines. These standards govern critical aspects such as food additives, pesticide use, veterinary drug residues, and overall contaminants.
One of Nigeria’s hidden advantages lies in its weak naira, which, while a concern locally, could significantly lower production costs and make Nigerian poultry meat an attractive, affordable protein source globally. Dr. Maina believes this economic edge could provide a competitive advantage in international markets with rising demand for cost-effective meat products.
To fully tap into this opportunity, Nigeria has recently partnered with JBS, the world’s largest meat processing company, in a $2.5 billion investment deal. This partnership is aimed at establishing six modern processing plants for poultry, beef, and pork. The collaboration could act as a turning point in transforming Nigeria into a significant meat exporter. JBS’s implementation of international best practices such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) serves as a roadmap for Nigeria to emulate.
Dr. Maina proposes three strategies that Nigeria must implement to achieve global export readiness. Firstly, the country needs to reinforce its Veterinary Services. This includes enforcing strict sanitary rules, disease monitoring, regular testing, and biosecurity upgrades. It also involves maintaining a no-vaccination policy for avian influenza and the development of digital platforms to monitor animal welfare and standard operating procedures.
Secondly, enhancing Animal Husbandry Services is vital. Establishing baseline data for farms, integrating smallholders with large commercial operations, and partnering with banks to offer innovative financial solutions and livestock insurance are all necessary steps. These will protect against the twin threats of disease outbreaks and climate impacts.
Thirdly, empowering the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) to strengthen market information systems is key. By providing timely data on prices, consumer demand, and market trends, farmers can make informed decisions and plan production accordingly. Furthermore, PAN can facilitate access to quality inputs, improve bargaining power, and mentor farmers on meeting international standards.
If Nigeria adopts these comprehensive strategies and works closely with stakeholders, it stands a strong chance of becoming a competitive player in the global poultry export market, opening up new economic doors and enhancing food security in the region.
