National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) has warned Nigerians to stop consuming imported poultry and poultry products smuggled into the country because it is unhealthy.
In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, NVRI Executive Director, Dr Ahmed Mohammed estimated that Nigeria has about 180 million birds, 22 million cattle, 40 million ship, and 50 million goats.
Mohammed said “The commercial poultry are layers and broilers, while the backyard birds are usually for domestic consumption and small scale sales,” he explained.
He said that Nigeria did not need imported poultry because more Nigerians were investing in the industry, which had made the country self-sufficient in that sector.
“Aside the poultry, we have lots of livestock to complement our meat and protein needs.
“From our latest records, Nigeria has 22 million cattle, 40 million ship, and 50 million goats.
“So, the ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products is in order and should be strictly enforced to encourage local production.”
He encouraged farmers to take advantage of the ban to increase local poultry farming.
He said “They can improve on their capacities by accessing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) agricultural loans being shared to farmers by all commercial banks.
“The loans are very easy to access and the process is much easier for poultry farmers because the returns on poultry are faster.”
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