By Daniel Edu
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), FCT Chapter, has disclosed significant financial losses exceeding N6 billion, attributing these losses to various factors including the CBN cashless policy, fuel subsidy removal, forex challenges, and bans on maize and soybean imports. Hon. Musa Hakeem, the Secretary of PAN FCT, highlighted these challenges at a World Egg Day commemoration event in Abuja.
Hakeem emphasized that these issues have resulted in a cash crunch for the poultry industry, leading to the closure of approximately 127 poultry farms in FCT. Other challenges include the high rate of diseases, lack of access to credit facilities, increased feed costs, and poor quality chicks. Additionally, the removal of fuel subsidies has made transportation of poultry products more difficult.
While commending the Minister of FCT, Hakeem called for government interventions to address these challenges and protect the poultry industry’s investment. He stressed that the poultry industry is the largest employer of labor and a vital contributor to the nation’s economy.
Hakeem also called for collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to include PAN in the “Home Grown School Feeding” program to boost employment and wealth creation within the supply chain. The commemoration of World Egg Day highlights the importance of eggs as an affordable source of high-quality nutrients.
Durojaiye Okodu, CEO of First Agro-Delight Nigeria, underscored the significance of eggs as a cost-effective source of protein and vitamins, essential for children’s development and overall nutrition.
Discussion about this post