NIGERIA – The Feed Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN) has disclosed that approximately one million metric tonnes of chicken are illegally smuggled into Nigeria each year, impacting local poultry farmers and the industry as a whole.
This influx of contraband poultry meat enters the market through unofficial channels, creating significant challenges for domestic producers.
Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, the newly inaugurated president of FIPAN, highlighted this issue during his speech in Lagos, following his appointment as head of the association.
He expressed concern over the growing volume of poultry meat being smuggled into the country, noting that the illegal imports severely disadvantage local farmers.
“Poultry meat remains the most smuggled and imported meat into Nigeria,” Dr. Oduntan stated.
“Around one million metric tonnes of chicken find their way into our market every year through illegal routes. This has placed a heavy burden on local producers, creating unfair competition.”
Despite the massive volume of illegally imported poultry, Nigeria’s per capita consumption of chicken remains low, averaging just 2.2 kilograms per person.
This figure starkly contrasts with South Africa’s 39 kilograms per capita, a difference that Dr. Oduntan believes should spur action from industry stakeholders.
Oduntan acknowledged that Nigerian poultry farmers have encountered numerous challenges.
According to him, the sector is central to Nigeria’s agricultural industry, providing nutrition for millions across the country.
However, despite its crucial role, the last three years have been turbulent for poultry production.
The Nigerian poultry sector currently comprises about 180 million birds, with 80 million raised in extensive systems, 60 million in semi-intensive systems, and 40 million in intensive systems.
Poultry production contributes significantly to the country’s food supply, generating around 300,000 metric tonnes of meat and 650,000 metric tonnes of eggs annually.
Overall, the industry is valued at approximately $4.2 billion, while annual poultry product consumption reached US$2 billion in 2019.
Despite these figures, local production continues to be undermined by the vast quantities of smuggled meat entering the market.
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