Antibiotic use limits acceptance of local egg powder, say Lagos farmers
Nigerian poultry farmers say the widespread use of antibiotics in bird treatment is causing major food companies to reject locally produced egg powder. Mojeed Iyiola, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, explained that companies like Cadbury prefer imported egg powder due to concerns about antibiotic residues. He urged the government to support farmers in adopting better production practices and to help establish reliable supplies of eggs suitable for processing. Kabir Ibrahim of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group also highlighted challenges such as high input costs and weak consumer demand.
TLDR
- Mojeed Iyiola said Nigerian egg powder is rejected by big companies due to antibiotic residues, unlike in Europe where probiotics are used.
- Farmers are urged to dedicate specific flocks for egg powder production, avoiding antibiotics even when birds are sick.
- The proposed egg powder factory in Igbodo, Epe, has not started operations, leading to continued losses from unsold eggs.
- Farmers often destroy thousands of crates of eggs weekly because they spoil before being sold, forcing prices down.
- Kabir Ibrahim noted that a zero-tariff import policy between July and December 2024 worsened farmer apathy and increased input costs.
