Nigeria advances feed policy to address poultry production costs

NIGERIA – Nigeria is advancing implementation of its National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy to address feed supply challenges, high production costs and unreliable access to feed for poultry producers through measures including alternative feed ingredients, improved storage infrastructure and better access to financing.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development convened a stakeholder workshop in Abuja from 19 to 21 October 2026 to develop a framework to translate the policy into practical actions, with defined responsibilities, timelines, and financing pathways.

The Sustainable Entrepreneurship-led Poultry Transformation Programme (SEPTP), implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, welcomed the progress and highlighted the policy’s potential to improve feed security and support poultry entrepreneurs, particularly young people.

Opening the workshop, Minister of Livestock Development Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha identified inadequate access to feed as a major constraint on livestock production. 

He called for an organised, commercially viable, climate-resilient feed and fodder system to improve productivity, attract investment, and support livelihoods.

Alternative ingredients and feed supply

The policy prioritises feed production, alternative feed resources, quality standards and climate resilience. 

According to SEPTP, these areas are particularly important for young poultry entrepreneurs facing high feed costs and unreliable supplies.

The proposed implementation framework includes community storage facilities, early-warning systems for feed shortages, stronger institutional coordination and improved access to finance. 

If adopted and adequately funded, these measures could help stabilise ingredient availability and enable poultry businesses to plan production more reliably.

SEPTP is also supporting young women to process high-quality cassava peel (HQCP) into an alternative feed ingredient. 

The initiative aligns with the policy’s focus on agricultural by-products as potential resources for reducing dependence on conventional feed ingredients.

Beyond feed production, the programme highlights opportunities across feed processing, storage, transportation and distribution, linking improvements in the feed value chain with enterprise development and employment.

A communique signed by Jessica Ojogbo Esin, SEPTP’s communications specialist, stated that the consortium comprises Christian Aid, Sahel Consulting, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Animal Care, Amo Farms and Pullus Africa.

SEPTP called for sustained financing, clear accountability, and continued engagement with producers and young entrepreneurs as the implementation framework moves toward adoption and implementation. 

The policy’s impact on feed affordability and availability will depend on how effectively its proposed measures are funded and put into practice.

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