Farmers seek sustainability of restrictions on importation of poultry products
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has urged the Federal Government to uphold its current import restriction policies on frozen poultry products and table eggs, emphasizing the need to protect local poultry farmers and the industry at large. Speaking on behalf of PAN, National President Sunday Ezeobiora stressed that lifting the ban would expose Nigeria to an influx of foreign poultry products, undermining local production and turning the country into a dumping ground.
Ezeobiora highlighted that rather than lifting restrictions, Nigeria should encourage foreign investors to establish poultry production partnerships within the country, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to expand exports to other West African markets.
The PAN President also called for increased investments in rural poultry development programs, particularly those benefiting smallholder farmers, women, and youth. He underscored the need for robust disease surveillance to combat threats such as Avian Influenza, which continues to impact the poultry sector.
Beyond disease control, Ezeobiora raised concerns over multiple taxation on poultry products, urging government agencies, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Federal Ministry of Finance, to harmonize tax policies and eliminate illegal revenue collection. He further advocated for better coordination among government agencies and stakeholders to ensure effective planning and execution of poultry industry policies.
While acknowledging the challenges facing the poultry industry, PAN emphasized that urgent government intervention is required to ensure the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness.
Source- Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The sustained restriction on poultry imports aligns with Nigeria’s broader agricultural policy objectives, promoting local production, job creation, and food security. However, for this policy to be truly effective, several key issues must be addressed:
- Strengthening Local Production Capacity
Restricting imports is beneficial only if local producers can meet national demand in terms of volume, quality, and affordability. The government must provide support for infrastructure development, access to affordable feed, and technological innovations to enhance productivity. - Leveraging AfCFTA for Export Growth
PAN’s recommendation for foreign investors to establish production bases in Nigeria presents a viable strategy for boosting exports under AfCFTA. However, achieving this requires policies that foster ease of doing business, improve regulatory frameworks, and enhance supply chain efficiency to compete in West African markets. - Disease Control and Surveillance
The frequent outbreaks of Avian Influenza and other poultry diseases threaten industry stability. Increased investment in disease surveillance, veterinary services, and biosecurity measures will be crucial to safeguarding poultry farms and ensuring stable production. - Addressing Taxation Challenges
Multiple taxation and revenue collection by different agencies create financial burdens on poultry farmers. Streamlining tax policies and providing fiscal incentives, such as tax reliefs for poultry feed and veterinary inputs, will enhance industry growth. - Inclusive Rural Poultry Development
Encouraging rural poultry production can significantly reduce rural-urban migration and enhance food security. Government programs should focus on empowering smallholder farmers with training, access to finance, and infrastructure to support commercial poultry farming.
While the continued restriction on poultry imports protects local farmers, its success depends on complementary policies that enhance productivity, ensure disease control, and create an enabling business environment. Strengthening these areas will position Nigeria as a major player in poultry production within Africa.
