Poultry Farmers Cry Out Over Soaring Costs, Call for Government Intervention

Poultry farmers in Lagos are sounding the alarm as rising feed and drug prices threaten the survival of their businesses. At the Aiyedoto Poultry Farm Estate in Ojo, several farmers revealed how escalating costs, weak government support, and dwindling consumer purchasing power have combined to cripple their operations, forcing many to abandon the trade.

Source:theglobaleconomics

For Prince Iregbona, who manages his mother’s farm in the estate, the situation has become unbearable. He described how financial pressure, coupled with frequent outbreaks of bird flu and coccidiosis, has driven many poultry keepers into debt. “When diseases hit, it’s a disaster,” he said. “You can lose everything if you don’t monitor and control it properly.” Beyond disease, he lamented theft and negligence by workers, which worsen losses. “Some workers are not honest. They steal eggs or don’t handle the birds properly. Family involvement in farm management is the only way you can truly maintain control.”

Mrs. Chidiogor Nwagbo, a veteran in the industry, echoed his frustrations. She explained that the high cost of veterinary drugs often forces farmers to settle for inferior alternatives, weakening the health of their flocks. She recalled the devastation of a bird flu outbreak years ago, when authorities promised compensation that never came. “They said they would help us, but nothing happened. Many farmers simply gave up,” she said.

Another farmer, Mr. Evaristus Mbama, painted a grim picture of survival in today’s poultry business. He admitted that many resort to low-quality feeds and drugs just to stay afloat. “The economy of the country makes it harder. Materials and feeds are expensive, and there’s no government support to cushion the losses,” he explained. According to him, even preventive measures like vaccinations and strict biosecurity—crucial to avoiding disease—are increasingly out of reach due to their cost.

Despite these setbacks, a few remain resilient, clinging to the daily returns poultry farming provides. “This business is very good when you have people who support you,” Nwagbo said. “Once you have passion for it, you can’t get tired. It’s lucrative because you get money from sales every day.”

Farmers at the estate are united in their appeal for government intervention—ranging from subsidies on feed and drugs to compensation for losses caused by disease outbreaks. They argue that such support would not only sustain existing farms but also revive the many that have collapsed.

For newcomers, the message from seasoned farmers is one of patience and perseverance. Mbama believes that while challenges are inevitable, dedication and consistency can keep the business alive. “You will face issues, but you must stay focused,” he said.

Their collective voices underscore both the fragility and potential of Nigeria’s poultry sector. Without urgent support, farmers fear that one of the most accessible sources of daily protein and rural employment could continue to decline. But with passion, proper disease control, and honest management, some remain hopeful that poultry farming can still thrive.