Economy
Poultry farmers seek urgent govt. intervention in feed production
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Lagos State chapter, has called on government to make necessary interventions in order to save poultry farming from imminent collapse.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association made the call at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.
PAN Lagos State Chairman, Mr Mojeed Iyiola, appreciated the government for its previous efforts in the sector but called for a quick intervention over unavailability and non-affordability of maize for feed production.
“We really appreciate the government’s contributions to the sector; they have moved the sector ahead in various aspects.
“So we want to express our appreciation and at the same time, let them know our predicaments and the problems we face as an association.
“Due to the hardships faced in the sector, the issue of egg glut has become an annual problem that has almost become permanent as purchasing power and demand has dropped drastically.
“We appeal to government at all levels to assist this sector from total collapse; considering the importance of our industry to food security we need the government’s intervention.
“The industry is at the point of total collapse and we need the government’s help urgently.’’
According to him, poultry is a major source of protein that is affordable and very different from other sources of protein.
He said that with the increasing cost and sometimes unavailability of maize for feed, production of eggs was at stake.
“Without maize the poultry industry cannot exist, due to the high cost of maize for feed, most poultry farmers have closed shop because of the situation.
“We want the government to grant PAN at the national level the license to import maize for the survival of the sector.
“The already existing importers of maize are working against farmers, the landing cost of maize should not be above N200,000 per metric ton, but now a metric ton of maize costs about N600,000.
“The poultry sector caters for over 180 million Nigerian workforce and contributes 25 per cent to the agricultural GDP; it should not be allowed to collapse.’’
Iyiola said that the PAN was also seeking for long term solution to the problems, by addressing the issue of banditry that affected the productivity of crop (maize and soya) farmers.
“This will enable our farmers return to the farms and subsequent availability of maize and soya at the lowest cost.
“If we can get maize and soya at the lowest cost, the rising cost of poultry produce will also drop,” he said.
On his part, Mr Foluso Adams, General Secretary, PAN, Lagos, emphasised the need for government’s prompt intervention in the sector.
He said that the association was concerned over the threat to food security in the country.
“This year we calling on the government to aid the issuance of maize, Soya, and other feed components that will enable us produce affordably for all citizens.
“A lot of jobs in the sector is being threatened as so many poultry farms have closed.
“A crate of egg being sold at N2300 is way below the cost of production but due to the egg glut situation we have no choice but to sell or bury the eggs at a loss.
“In terms of the palliatives provided, poultry farmers should be included as they need help and succour this period,” Adams said.
Mrs Oluwatosin Oyetunde, PAN Chairperson, Agege chapter, called for the government’s intervention in insecurity issues in order to ease farmers’ plights.
“Feed is paramount to any livestock farming; we want the government to help us tackle the issue of insecurity so farmers can easily access their farms.
She said that if the challenge of insecurity was addressed, the cost and availability of maize would not be a problem to farmers.
“The government should come to our aid before the sector collapses.
“We are a very integral part to the success and development of the agricultural sector,” Oyetunde said.
Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy says upgrading the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron to a university, will unlock opportunities in the maritime economy.
Oyetola made the expression at the 2024 MAN cadets graduation ceremony in Oron, Akwa Ibom on Saturday.
Represented by Mr Babatunde Bombata, the Director, Maritime Safety and Security, the minister said the Federal Government was working assiduously to unlock opportunities within the marine and blue economy.
He said that the ministry was already collaborating with the Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Universities Commission to ensure MAN’s seamless transition to a university.
“It is our hope that this upgrade will unlock new opportunities for advanced learning, cutting edge research and innovation within the marine and blue economy fields,” he said.
Oyetola urged the graduating cadets to be innovative, resourceful and forward looking in their future endeavours.
“The maritime and blue economy sectors are filled with opportunities, so your contributions to the sector will be instrumental in ensuring a brighter future.
“The government is committed to fostering excellence and innovation in these fields, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact you will make in your careers,” he said.
He further said that the Federal Government was working on developing a national policy on marine and blue economy.
“This policy will serve as a strategic framework to drive economic diversification, attract investments, create jobs and youth empowerment.
In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, said the state government would continue to collaborate with the academy to develop the maritime sector.
Represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien, (Rtd), Eno urged the graduating cadets to utilise their training in developing the maritime sector.
“I am hopeful that you will utilise the training you have acquired here to further your career as seafarers and in the development of our blue economy,” he said.
Eno commended the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna and his management team for their commitment towards repositioning the academy for greater results.
Earlier, Okonna said that graduates of the institution had contributed immensely to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy.
“Today, we have an opportunity to celebrate a new set of well-trained personnel to the maritime and allied industries.
“We pride ourselves as the pioneer maritime training institution, this is because of the institution’s contributions to national development,” he said.
The acting rector urged the graduating cadets to made effective use of the knowledge gained during their training to make meaningful impact on the growth of the maritime sector.
Report says that awards were given to graduating cadets who distinguished themselves in character and learning. (NAN)
The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) continued its bullish trend on Wednesday, gaining N183 billion.
Accordingly, the market capitalisation, which opened at N59.532 trillion, gained N184 billion or 0.31 per cent to close at N59.715 trillion.
The All-Share Index also added 0.31 per cent or 303 points, to settle at 98,509.
68, against 98,206. 97 recorded on Tuesday.Consequently, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return increased to 31.
74 per cent.Gains in Aradel Holdings, Zenith Bank, United Bank For Africa(UBA), Oando Plc, Nigerian Breweries among other advanced equities drove the market performance up.
Market breadth closed positive with 34 gainers and 17 losers.
On the gainers’ chart, Africa Prudential, Conoil and RT Briscoe led by 10 per cent each to close at N14.30, N352 and N2.42 per share, respectively.
Golden Guinea Breweries followed by 9.95 per cent to close at N7.18, while NEM Insurance rose by 9.74 per cent to close at N10.70 per share.
On the other hand, Julius Berger led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N155.25, Secure Electronic Technology Plc trailed by 9.52 per cent to close at 57k per share.
Multiverse lost 7.63 per cent to close at N5.45, Haldane McCall dropped 6.07 per cent to close at N4.95 and Honeywell Flour shed 5.62 per cent to close at N4.70 per share.
Analysis of the market activities showed trade turnover settled lower relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions down by 49.44 per cent.
A total of 320.10 million shares valued at N6.48 billion were exchanged in 7,943 deals, compared with 939.41 million shares valued at N12.81billion traded in 9,098 deals posted in the previous session.
Meanwhile, ETranzact led the activity chart in volume with 70.27 million shares, while Aradel led in value of deals worth N1.22 billion.(NAN)
The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the Yuan, weakened 22 pips to 7.1870 against the dollar on Monday.This is according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System.In China’s spot foreign exchange market, the Yuan is allowed to rise or fall by two per cent from the central parity rate each trading day.
The central parity rate of the Yuan against the dollar is based on a weighted average of prices offered by market makers before the opening of the interbank market each business day. (Xinhua/NAN)
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