Poultry farmers say more than 30% of their businesses have been closed across Nigeria in six months

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has revealed that over 30% of poultry farms nationwide have been closed in the last six months, citing sectoral issues.

PAN Publicity Secretary, Godwin Egbebe, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

He believes the closures are due to exorbitant operating costs, which have also pushed up egg prices nationwide.

“About 30% of local poultry farmers across the country have closed their farms due to the difficulties faced by the sector in the first half of the year.

“The government needs to be aware of the seriousness of the situation faced by poultry farmers in this sector.

“Paying palliatives does not alleviate the problems in this sector, we are looking for lasting solutions to the problems on the ground.

“Aid funds most often go to the wrong funds, not to the rightful farmers.

“Most farmers are leaving the sector because they cannot afford to maintain the costs of running their farms.

“Some sold their cages and some sold their farms” he said.

Rising feed costs force closure

Furthermore, Egbebe acknowledged that the rising cost of feed posed a major challenge to the sector.

He said rising feed costs were putting enormous pressure on poultry farms, making it difficult for many to stay in business.

“The prices of poultry products are constantly rising as the price of feed increases every two weeks.

“Two weeks ago we bought 25kg of feed for N14,300 and last weekend the price increased to N14,800.

“Earlier this year, we bought a bag for N12,000 and last year we sold it for N9,000. This increase is affecting the sector.

“Transport is another major problem for the sector, as transporting poultry products increases costs” he said.

What you should know

Nairametrics earlier reported that in recent months the price of eggs has increased by about 25%.

Farmers and traders believe the increase is due to shortages caused by the closure of many poultry farms in the country, as well as a renewed increase in the prices of corn and soybeans, ingredients used in the production of poultry feed.

It is worth noting that the increase in egg prices is not an isolated case, but affects various food products.

For example, the price of beans increased by as much as 70% month-on-month between April and May 2024, and 100% increase in prices of basic food products across the country.