Consumers will be forced to buy chickens at a higher cost during the yuletide and the New Year celebrations, according to poultry farmers in the country, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports, citing complaints by poultry farmers that the cost of chicken feeds, drugs and others have gone up.
Josiah Adebola, chairman, Livestock and Poultry Farmers Union, LPFU, Oyo state chapter, made this known on Sunday while speaking to journalists in the state capital.
He explained that poultry farmers in the country have no option than to increase the price of chickens, if they are to make profit due to the high cost of chicken feeds, drugs and others.
According to him, the situation could force consumers who are unable to afford the high cost of chicken to seek better alternatives, such as buying imported frozen chicken and turkey.
He said the current economic situation has forced many Nigerians to cut down their spending, including their consumption during the festive period, adding that poultry farmers are in a very tight situation in trying to recoup their investments.
Adebola said, “So, there is no way the price of chicken will not go up, notwithstanding the economic hardship in the country.
“As a result of this hardship, many Nigerians may find it difficult to buy chicken at exorbitant prices.
“Instead, they will likely embrace imported frozen chicken and turkey, not minding the health implications of such.”
