The Federal Government has stepped up support for small-scale poultry producers across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen local food production, improve livelihoods, and stabilize the poultry value chain.
Officials disclosed that the initiative is aimed at addressing key challenges facing smallholder poultry farmers, including high feed costs, limited access to credit, disease outbreaks, and inadequate infrastructure.
According to the government, small-scale poultry producers play a critical role in Nigeria’s food system, contributing significantly to the supply of eggs, chicken meat, and other poultry products, which are essential sources of protein for households nationwide.
The support programme includes the provision of subsidised inputs such as day-old chicks, poultry feed, vaccines, and veterinary services, designed to reduce production costs and improve productivity.
In addition, the government is expanding access to affordable financing and credit facilities, enabling farmers to scale up operations and invest in better housing systems, biosecurity measures, and modern equipment.
Training and capacity-building programmes are also being implemented to equip farmers with knowledge on best management practices, disease prevention, feed formulation, and farm record-keeping.
Stakeholders noted that improving poultry production is essential for reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports and ensuring food security and price stability in the protein market.
Experts highlighted that small-scale poultry farmers often face disproportionate challenges due to rising energy costs and limited market access, and therefore require targeted government intervention to remain viable.
The initiative also seeks to promote value chain development, including better processing, storage, and distribution systems, to reduce losses and improve efficiency in the sector.
However, stakeholders emphasized the need for consistent policy support, improved infrastructure, and effective monitoring, to ensure that interventions reach genuine farmers and achieve desired outcomes.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the poultry industry as part of broader efforts to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and enhance food security.
With intensified support for small-scale producers, Nigeria aims to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable poultry sector capable of meeting rising domestic demand.
