The Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Oyo State chapter, Mr. Omidokun Oyekunle, has urged federal, state, and local governments to intervene in the poultry industry to address challenges such as the high cost of poultry feeds.
Speaking during the 2024 World Egg Day celebration in Ibadan, Oyekunle, represented by PAN Ibadan Zone II Chairman, Mr. Wole Olulade, stressed that the rising cost of maize and soya beans is severely affecting the poultry business and contributing to the high prices of eggs and other poultry products.
Oyekunle called for government support to regulate or subsidize the cost of these essential inputs, particularly maize and soya beans, which Nigeria can control domestically.
“Maize is about 50 percent more expensive in Nigeria than in other countries,” he noted, emphasizing the need for improved production of these commodities to bring down costs.
Oyekunle urged Nigerians to consume at least one egg daily, highlighting the health benefits of eggs as a complete source of nutrition, except for vitamin C.
He emphasized the role eggs play in boosting immunity and overall health.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Blessing Alawode, the immediate past Chairman of PAN, Ogun State, echoed these concerns, calling on the government to combat rising insecurity and multiple taxation, which she said are crippling the poultry sector.
Alawode, who spoke at the World Egg Day event in Abeokuta, lamented that insecurity, particularly the growing cases of kidnapping, is forcing many farmers to close their farms, exacerbating unemployment.
Alawode further urged the government to harmonize its taxes, stating that the combination of multiple taxations and the tough economic climate is discouraging farmers.
She also called for subsidized maize and access to federal government interventions to support farmers.
Alawode concluded by encouraging poultry farmers to strengthen collaborations and partnerships to continue feeding the nation, while urging Nigerians to consume more eggs for their high-quality protein content and health benefits.