Poultry Farmers Charge Federal Gov’t On Lower Tariffs, Industry Growth

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has called on the federal government to reduce tariffs on imported micro-inputs as well as poultry production equipment while implementing a duty-free policy to lower production costs and drive growth in the sector.

Speaking to a delegation of PAN members led by Olatunde Badmus on a courtesy visit to the minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha in Abuja, he emphasised the urgent need for government intervention to address challenges facing the poultry industry.

The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to revitalising the sector, highlighting the importance of sustainable policies and immediate action. “The large-scale cultivation of maize, sorghum, and soy is imperative. Without these critical inputs, we cannot break free from the current challenges. Rest assured, progress is already underway,” Maiha stated.

The PAN delegation proposed that the government act as the ‘buyer of last resort’ for key grains like maize and soy to stabilise market prices, ensure a steady supply for poultry feed, and enhance national food security.

Additionally, PAN advocated zero-duty policies on imported poultry equipment and micro-inputs to reduce production costs even as they also supported maintaining restrictions on frozen poultry imports to protect local producers and attract foreign investments into Nigeria’s poultry sector.

With these measures, the association aims to enhance productivity, stabilise the market, and position the poultry industry as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s food security and economic development.