Antibiotic use in poultry hinders local egg powder production in Lagos

Mojeed Iyiola, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, stated that unlike European producers who use probiotics, Nigerian farmers' reliance on antibiotics leads to residues that make local egg powder unsuitable for companies like Cadbury. Iyiola emphasized the need for specialized production practices, including dedicated farms where birds are not treated with antibiotics, to enable Nigeria to compete with imported egg powder. Farmers are also urging the Lagos State Government to expedite the launch of a proposed egg powder factory in Igbodo, Epe, which could process surplus eggs, extend their shelf life, and provide an alternative market for farmers facing losses due to weak demand and high feed costs.

Kabir Ibrahim, President of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, highlighted that low purchasing power and expensive agricultural inputs are contributing to the challenges faced by farmers.