Poultry Association of Nigeria seeks maize import license to curb rising production costs

NIGERIA – The Lagos State chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has called on the government to grant them a license to directly import maize in order to reduce escalating production costs within the poultry sector. 

This appeal was made by the chapter’s chairman, Mr. Mojeed Iyiola, during a recent interview in Lagos.

Iyiola highlighted the persistent rise in the cost of poultry feed, which has significantly impacted the prices of poultry products, particularly eggs. 

He noted that since the beginning of the year, the cost of production has continued to surge, compelling the association to seek direct importation rights to alleviate these challenges.

He criticized the current distribution of import licenses, stating that only a few individuals have access to these permits, which they exploit for personal gain. 

According to Iyiola, even when these importers sell maize to poultry farmers and feed producers, they do so at prices comparable to those in the open market, offering no relief to the farmers.

“The import waivers intended to benefit poultry farmers are, in reality, serving the interests of a select few,” Iyiola said. 

“This is why we are urging the government to allow us, as an association, to import maize ourselves. Relying on intermediaries is financially draining. To make the import waiver policy truly effective and beneficial, we need the authority to handle our maize imports directly.”

Iyiola further explained that the current high prices of eggs are a direct consequence of the relentless increase in feed costs, with prices rising by at least N800 (US$0.49) every three days. 

He pointed out that the cost of grower feed, which was N3,500 (US$2.13) per 25kg bag at the start of the year, has now soared to nearly N13,000 (US$7.92) per bag.

However, in recent years, Nigeria’s poultry sector has seen significant growth, yet local production still meets just 30% of the national demand for chicken eggs and meat. 

Currently, Nigeria boasts the largest annual egg production on the continent and holds the position of having the second-largest chicken population in Africa.