Abuja: The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to address persistent power and security challenges affecting the country’s agricultural sector. Mr Hakeem Musa, Secretary of the chapter, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the appeal comes in response to the Federal Government’s recent decision to ban the importation of poultry products, cement, pharmaceuticals, and other goods. This ban, effective from April 1, targets products coming from outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Musa described the policy as a strategic move in the right direction, but warned that its success would depend on addressing critical structural bottlenecks. More than 1,000 poultry farms have reportedly shut down within the FCT due to operational challenges, including inadequate electricity supply and insecurity.
Musa identified key constraints in the sector as insecurity, unreliable power supply, and the high cost of inputs, such as day-old chicks. He highlighted the difficulty for farmers and agribusiness investors to operate optimally in environments where access to farms is threatened or where production and processing costs are driven up by dependence on alternative power sources.
He emphasized that addressing insecurity, improving electricity supply, and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem were essential for the policy to achieve measurable impact. Musa called for deliberate government support in the form of access to affordable financing, input subsidies, extension services, and market linkages. Without these complementary measures, local producers may struggle to meet the surge in demand that such a ban is likely to create, potentially leading to price inflation and supply gaps.
Musa noted that the policy reflects a deliberate effort to protect local industries, reduce dependence on imports, and stimulate indigenous production across key sectors. Properly implemented, the policy could serve as a catalyst for economic growth by encouraging local farmers, manufacturers, and agro-processors to expand capacity. It presents a significant opportunity for investors and practitioners to scale operations, improve value chains, and meet domestic demand, particularly in the poultry sector. The policy also has the potential to create jobs, strengthen food security, conserve foreign exchange, and position Nigeria as a competitive player within the West African sub-region.
However, Musa expressed concern over frequent policy reversals, describing them as a major challenge to economic stability. He stated that while adjustments in governance were normal, constant reversals suggested inadequate planning and coordination. Policy somersaults undermine investor confidence, make it difficult for businesses to plan, and erode public trust in government decisions. Musa emphasized the need for consistency in policymaking, stating that well-thought-out, properly consulted, and clearly communicated policies are essential for building trust, stability, and real economic progress.