Poultry Doctor Pushes for Economic Revival Amidst Food Security Challenges
Hauwa Ali
In an urgent response to Nigeria’s ongoing food security concerns, the Lagos chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has underscored the need for strategic action to boost the poultry industry.
At its 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition, held under the theme “Poultry Association of Nigeria Lagos (PANLAG) on the Pathway to Food Security and Sustainability,” key stakeholders focused on the role of poultry farming in alleviating the country’s food insecurity and economic struggles.
The event, held on Wednesday in Lagos, was convened as a direct response to the dwindling productivity of poultry farms, which are being crippled by a combination of climate change, environmental degradation, and economic hardships. By addressing these issues, PANLAG aims to reinforce the sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s protein production and food supply chain.
Mr. Mojeed Iyiola, Chairman of PAN Lagos, opened the conference by acknowledging the worsening conditions in the poultry sector, with numerous farms shutting down due to high production costs and inadequate government support. “Nigeria stands as a key player in West Africa’s food market, particularly in protein production, where poultry plays a major role,” Iyiola noted. “However, retrogressive trends in production are forcing farms out of business, posing a significant threat to food security.”
He stressed the need for collaborative solutions among stakeholders, urging them to focus on boosting local production to ensure food sustainability. “This is a wake-up call for the sector,” Iyiola said. “If we don’t address these challenges head-on, the consequences for our food security and economy will be dire.”
One key strategy discussed was the diversification of poultry farming. Guest speaker Prof. Olushola Kehinde, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (represented by Prof. Olajide Sogunle), advocated for expanding beyond traditional broiler and layer farming to include other poultry species such as guinea fowl, ducks, and turkeys. This, he argued, could significantly boost both productivity and profitability. “Many Nigerian farmers limit themselves to layers and broilers, but the market is much bigger than that,” Kehinde explained. “By diversifying, we open the door to new income streams and reduce the pressure on conventional poultry farming.”
Dr. James Wageti, a veterinary expert, also highlighted the role of farm management and efficiency in addressing the sector’s economic struggles. He noted that poor stockmanship—where farmers fail to properly monitor and manage their flocks—has led to significant losses. “Poultry farmers are losing more than they are making,” Wageti said. “Efficiency and stockmanship are critical in reversing this trend.”
As Nigeria continues to grapple with food insecurity exacerbated by inflation and climate change, the conference served as a crucial platform for exploring solutions within the poultry sector. Experts stressed that with the right investments in training, technology, and diversification, the sector could help Nigeria not only achieve food security but also revitalize its agricultural economy.