Kwara wants ban on poultry imports enforced

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has called for stricter enforcement of the ban on poultry imports into the country to boost the nation’s economy.
 
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara
Ahmed made the call last week in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, while declaring open a one-day seminar organised by Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) on “Impact of smuggled Poultry products on the economy and health of Nigerians”.

The governor said “There is urgent need to stem the importation of frozen poultry to protect as well promoting Nigeria’s poultry sector, environmental and health implications of imported meat are no less grave.

“Imported frozen turkey and chicken are unwholesome meat, which have long term, devastating effects on the health of consumers.”

The governor added that imported frozen meat accounted for over $2.5 billion in foreign exchange and a loss of more than one million jobs opportunities annually.

Ahmed also said Nigeria’s poultry sector is currently responsible for 25 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has the potential to create employment for five million Nigerians.

“The net impact of this is the gradual emasculation of local businesses, resulting in unemployment and stunting growth.

“Similarly, smuggling of contraband items drains our national income, retards local businesses and often results in the demise of our industries.

“Some may wonder if we have the local capacity to fill the supply gap that may be created by this ban on importation of frozen meat,” Gov Ahmed added.

Ahmed added that ban on importation of poultry products will lead to vast economic opportunities that will be created along the poultry value chain. These include crop farming, processing, storage, haulage and retailing as a result of the expected increase in demand in locally-produced poultry.

“The implication of this demand for maize, for example, is that, based on our Demand-Driven approach to agriculture, anyone cultivating the crop once the ban is enforced is assured of a ready market for their produce,” he added.


Ahmed, therefore, called on the Federal Government to implement the policy adjustments necessary to protect the poultry sector, boost economic growth and boost the economy.

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