Feed Costs, Limited Inputs Still Burden Poultry Farmers as LAPO Hosts Chicken Fair Across Cities
Poultry farmers in Nigeria are still grappling with rising feed prices and difficulty accessing essential inputs, even as the sector remains the most commercially active part of the country’s livestock industry.
This concern formed part of discussions at the Annual Chicken Fair organised by the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), which took place simultaneously in Benin City, Edo State; Kubwa Central Market, Abuja; and Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The event was held under the theme “Sustainable Poultry Farming: Innovations for Food Security and Economic Growth.”
At the Abuja venue, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, acknowledged the challenges facing poultry farmers and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the sub-sector as a pillar of livestock development and national food security.
The minister, represented by an Assistant Director in the ministry, Mr. Ebenezer Akinboro, noted that partnerships with organisations such as LAPO remain vital to creating a supportive environment for farmers.
Organisers described the fair as more than a sales event, saying it was designed to bring farmers, buyers, and industry experts together.
According to LAPO, the initiative provides farmers with opportunities to showcase their produce, access markets, exchange ideas, and learn modern poultry practices through exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, and networking sessions.
Speaking at the event, the organisation’s leadership emphasised that poultry farming plays a key role in improving nutrition, creating jobs, and generating income, especially for women, youths, and small-scale entrepreneurs.
LAPO explained that it has continued to support the agricultural value chain through financing, training, advisory services, and market-linkage programmes tailored to smallholder farmers.
Participants also highlighted the local impact of the initiative. Chairman of the Bwari Business Forum, Mazi Okorigwe, described Bwari Area Council as a major food-producing area within the Federal Capital Territory and praised LAPO for supporting small businesses through loans and other facilities that help farmers expand production.
He pledged continued collaboration to strengthen livestock and poultry farming in the area.
In Lagos, LAPO’s management reiterated that the Chicken Fair is a strategic effort to boost productivity and improve access to affordable, nutritious food within communities.
Officials noted that sustainable poultry farming can help address unemployment, malnutrition, and economic vulnerability when farmers are properly supported and connected to markets.
The organisation also explained that the fair serves as an entry point for aspiring poultry farmers. Divisional Manager, Mrs. Mercy Aimionmwanmon, said the annual event educates newcomers on how to start and manage poultry businesses, while also linking them with experienced farmers and financial support options.
She added that LAPO provides loans with low interest rates and flexible repayment plans to help farmers grow.
Sharing her experience, a beneficiary, Mrs. Aminat Olanrewaju, said she was introduced to LAPO’s loan programme through the organisation’s livelihood initiative.
She described the interest rates and repayment terms as manageable and expressed her intention to apply for another loan to expand her poultry business.
LAPO officials said the Chicken Fair will continue to serve as a platform to strengthen farmer participation, encourage collaboration, and promote sustainable poultry farming across the country.




