Rising feed costs and shortages of young birds are driving up poultry prices across Nigeria, as producers struggle with high input costs and limited access to finance.

Industry players warn that the situation is constraining egg and chicken supply, with implications for food security and household nutrition.

Amid the pressure, the Federal Government has yesterday said it is planning targeted interventions to stabilise poultry prices and improve production.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN).

Maiha said government efforts would focus on addressing key cost drivers in the value chain, including feed, energy and production inputs.

He also said the ministry is seeking improved data from industry players to guide policy decisions, directing the association to submit a national inventory of hatcheries across the country.

“We will pursue policies that lower production costs without compromising quality or competitiveness,” he said.

President of PAN, Sunday Ezeobiora, said the sector is facing multiple challenges, including rising feed costs, inadequate supply of pullets, disease management issues and limited access to finance.

He warned that without urgent intervention, production constraints could persist, further affecting availability and affordability of poultry products.

The federal government said it is also considering measures to ease input costs and improve supply chains, while encouraging investment in processing, storage and logistics.