The Lagos State Government has launched the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme (FSP), committing ₦500 million to provide a 25% subsidy on animal feeds for poultry and fish farmers. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and stabilize the soaring prices of eggs and other poultry products.
Mojeed Iyiola, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria’s Lagos State chapter, expressed optimism about the program’s potential impact. He noted that if the subsidy continues beyond its initial four-week trial, consumers can anticipate a decrease in egg prices. Currently, a crate of eggs sells for between ₦5,000 and ₦6,000, a significant increase from ₦2,800 to ₦3,000 in early 2024.
The Ounje Eko FSP is part of a broader strategy to enhance food security and support local farmers. By reducing production costs, the program aims to ensure a steady supply of affordable poultry products in the market. The government plans to manage pre-ordering and payment processes through farmer associations to maintain transparency and accountability.
This intervention comes in response to the escalating costs of raw materials for bird feed, which have significantly impacted egg production and prices. Poultry farmers have been advocating for government support to mitigate these challenges and sustain their operations.
