NIGERIA – Nigeria’s poultry industry has reached a new milestone with the launch of a Noiler Hatchery in Awe, Oyo State.
The facility, operated by Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd. (AFSH), is designed to produce over 2.5 million day-old chicks each month, enhancing access to Noiler chickens—a dual-purpose breed used for both meat and egg production.
The commissioning of the hatchery marks an expansion in poultry farming, with potential benefits for smallholder farmers and food security.
By increasing the availability of high-quality Noiler chicks, the facility aims to improve protein access while supporting local economies.
Growing sector amid economic challenges
Nigeria’s poultry sector consists of approximately 180 million birds, distributed across different farming systems.
Around 80 million birds are raised in extensive systems, 60 million in semi-intensive systems, and 40 million in intensive operations.
Poultry meat production stands at approximately 454,000 metric tons annually, while egg production reaches about 3.8 million units per year.
Despite these figures, per capita consumption of poultry products remains low, with Nigerians consuming an average of 3.5 kilograms of eggs and 2.5 kilograms of poultry meat per person each year.
The industry, valued at approximately US$4.2 billion (₦6.4 trillion), faces mounting challenges, particularly rising production costs.
The price of poultry feed continues to increase, driven by supply chain disruptions, climate change, and inflation.
Many raw materials, such as maize and wheat, are either imported or sold locally at high prices due to currency fluctuations.
As a result, poultry farmers struggle to maintain profitability, with some earning as little as $0.13 per bird—equivalent to US$130 for 1,000 birds after two months of production.
Commissioning ceremony and industry perspectives
During the commissioning event, Managing Director Dr. Anand Burra emphasized the hatchery’s role in providing farmers with high-yield breeds that enhance production efficiency.
Group Managing Director Dr. Ayoola Oduntan reiterated the company’s commitment to quality control, stating that every chick produced must meet industry standards.
The launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Oduntan, followed by a tour of the facility.
Attendees observed the advanced equipment and processes used in chick production. Several industry stakeholders, including Dr. Sunil, General Manager of Amo Farm; Mr. Emmanuel Oloruntoba, Director of Supply Chain; Mr. Olusegun Akande, Head of Internal Audit; and Mr. Victor Alabi, HR Business Partner at Amo Farm, were present at the event.
Government policies and market protection
While the Nigerian government has enforced a ban on poultry imports to protect local farmers, domestic producers continue to face operational hurdles.
High feed costs and economic instability threaten the sustainability of poultry businesses. Farmers are calling for policy interventions to stabilize feed prices and create a more favorable environment for poultry farming.
The establishment of the Noiler Hatchery in Oyo State adds to the country’s poultry production infrastructure, providing a new source of high-quality chicks. However, the long-term impact on food security and economic growth will depend on broader industry support, including cost reduction measures and market access improvements.
