A million tonnes of chicken is smuggled into Nigeria every year, according to the country’s animal feed producers. This nearly three times the domestic chicken production of 355 000 tonnes annually.
A report in This Day quoted the Feed Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN) as saying illegal imports undermined local poultry production and created unfair competition for local poultry farmers.
The new president of the association, Dr Ayoola Oduntan, said the increasing volumes of smuggled chicken imports were a great concern.
“Despite our efforts, poultry remains the most imported and illegally smuggled meat in Nigeria, with an estimated one million metric tons entering the market annually through illegal channels,” he stated.
“Even with this massive volume of smuggled poultry meat, our per capita consumption in Nigeria stands at only 2.2kg, a stark contrast to 39kg per capita in South Africa.”
Oduntan said rising raw material costs, skyrocketing inflation and escalating lending rates made it difficult for Nigerian farmers to remain profitable. Chicken prices had risen by 199% and eggs by 310%.
“Animal protein – once an affordable staple – has become, for many, a luxury,” he said.
In an allied development, Nigeria’s farming and allied trade communities have called for government intervention in the crisis rocking the poultry industry.
They warned that, unless action was taken, there would be massive closure of farms, the Nigerian Tribune reported. This would result in job losses, reduced food security, economic instability and increased reliance on chicken imports.
Members of the farming and allied trade communities which consist of majorly poultry farmers, called on the government to provide subsidies, incentives, and policies supporting local poultry production while urging feed manufacturers to reduce prices, improve quality and explore alternative ingredients. They also wanted financial institutions to offer affordable credit facilities and flexible repayment plans.
They urged consumers to support local farmers by purchasing Nigerian-produced poultry products.