Poultry farmers across Nigeria have expressed frustration over significant losses incurred during the recent Christmas and New Year celebrations, as unsold stock piled up due to low patronage.

Despite heavy investments in broiler production, many Nigerians prioritised other commodities over poultry products due to diminished purchasing power.

The Director General of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Dr Onallo Akpa, revealed that expectations for increased sales during the festive period were unmet.

Akpa, in an interview with Vanguard, said poultry farmers nationwide, particularly small-scale producers, had invested heavily in Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) and expensive poultry feeds, anticipating high demand during Christmas and the New Year festivals.

However, patronage across the country was disappointing as over 50% of the broilers prepared for the season remained unsold, creating financial strain for many families dependent on poultry farming.

“Traditionally, Christmas and New Year are times when every family, no matter how poor, buys chicken for celebrations,” The low purchasing power of the people meant that poultry meat, considered a luxury, was no longer a priority for many families during the festive period.

“The inability to sell their stock means farmers cannot afford to continue feeding the birds, as it only adds to their production costs,” Dr Akpa explained.

He added that the fallout from the poor patronage has led to the closure of many poultry farms and eroded the confidence of farmers in the industry.

PAN DG noted that small-scale producers, who rely on poultry farming for sustenance, have been hardest hit.

Despite the setbacks, he expressed optimism about the future of the industry.

He urged the government to support the poultry sector, which employs over 25 million Nigerians directly and indirectly, and plays a vital role in the country’s food security.

He called for urgent economic interventions to address the challenges facing poultry farmers.

“Hope is not lost if the economy can be rejigged to prioritise critical agricultural sectors like poultry, a low-hanging fruit for employment and nutrition security,” Dr Akpa concluded.