Poultry farmers seek relief, call for zero import duty on production inputs

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

The Poultry farmers under the auspices of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) have called on the Federal Government to support farmers with a reduction in tariffs on imported micro-inputs and poultry production equipment as well as a duty-free policy to lower production costs and stimulate industry growth.

The Association made the call during a courtesy visit made by a delegation of the Association led by Olatunde Badmus, Patron and Chairman of the Board of Trustees to Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development in Abuja.

The Minister pledged the Federal Government’s unwavering support to revitalising the poultry sector and addressing the challenges hindering its growth.

Maiha, in his comments, highlighted the importance of immediate intervention and sustainable policies to strengthen the industry’s role in Nigeria’s economy and food security.

“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 stated, emphasising the ministry’s commitment to fostering partnerships for sustainable solutions”, he said.

In their presentation, the PAN delegation led by Olatunde Badmus underscored the urgent need to enhance poultry productivity, urging the Government to serve as the “buyer of last resort” for grains like maize and soya, which are essential for poultry feed production. Such measures, they argued, would stabilise market prices and build reserves to bolster national food security.

The Association also advocated a reduction in tariffs on imported micro-inputs and poultry production equipment, proposing a zero-duty policy to lower production costs and stimulate industry growth.

On import restrictions, PAN reaffirmed its support for sustaining policies that limit frozen poultry imports, stressing the importance of encouraging local production and attracting foreign investors to establish operations within Nigeria.