The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has urged the Federal Government to introduce a zero-duty policy on imported micro-inputs and poultry production equipment, citing the need to lower production costs and stimulate growth in the industry. The call was made during a courtesy visit by PAN’s delegation, led by its Patron and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Olatunde Badmus, to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, on Thursday in Abuja.
During the visit, the Minister pledged the government’s commitment to revitalizing the poultry sector and addressing its prevailing challenges. Maiha described the poultry industry as a critical component of Nigeria’s economy and food security, emphasizing the need for immediate interventions and sustainable policies.
“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 said. He reiterated the Ministry’s focus on fostering partnerships and long-term solutions to strengthen the sector.
In its presentation, the PAN delegation highlighted the urgent need to enhance poultry productivity and stabilize the market. They proposed that the government should act as the “buyer of last resort” for essential grains such as maize and soya, key ingredients for poultry feed. This, the group argued, would help stabilize market prices, build grain reserves, and safeguard national food security.
The Association also stressed the importance of reducing tariffs on imported inputs and equipment, proposing a duty-free policy to make production more cost-effective for farmers. According to PAN, such measures would not only lower costs but also encourage local production and create a more competitive poultry sector.
On the issue of frozen poultry imports, PAN reaffirmed its support for existing policies that restrict such imports, advocating for sustained efforts to encourage local production. The Association called on the government to attract foreign investors to establish operations within Nigeria, further strengthening the industry’s capacity.
The meeting underscored the pivotal role of the poultry sector in national development, with PAN urging the government to implement policies that would create an enabling environment for farmers. According to Olatunde Badmus, such measures would ensure the sector thrives, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economy and food security.
The Federal Government’s response to these demands is expected to shape the future of poultry farming in the country, as stakeholders look forward to policies that will address the sector’s pressing challenges and unlock its full potential.
