Nigeria’s US$1 billion National Integrated Poultry Project takes flight

Nigeria's Poultry Sector Poised for Transformation

Nigeria's poultry sector is set for a significant transformation with the launch of the US$1 billion National Integrated Poultry Project, an initiative born from the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP). This ambitious project, announced in early 2026, aims to enhance egg and broiler production while addressing feed shortages and reducing import dependency.

Project Overview.

The pilot phase of Nigeria’s National Integrated Poultry Project has commenced across the Enugu, Kaduna, and Oyo states, with a vision for nationwide expansion in 2027. The NCSP director-general, Joseph Tegbe, unveiled the project at the Chinese New Year Temple Fair in Abuja, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations.

Integrated Farming Approach.

This phase emphasizes integrated farming by combining poultry rearing with large-scale cultivation of maize and soybeans, ensuring a sustainable feed supply. The project outlines a comprehensive approach, including:

1. Feed Production
2. Hatcheries
3. Layer and Broiler Farms
4. Processing Plants
5. Cold Storage
6. Distribution Networks

When fully operational, the project plans to support over 7 million laying birds and 2 million broilers, producing an impressive 6 million eggs daily.

Addressing the Feed Crisis.

The initiative also targets the cultivation of 60,000 hectares of crops specifically for feed, directly tackling Nigeria's poultry feed crisis, which has been exacerbated by rising costs and shortages. Subsidized feed will be available to existing smallholder farmers, helping stabilize costs beyond the new facilities.

Technology Transfer and Capacity Building

The project includes technology transfer through scholarships and joint research under the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership. This component will support long-term capacity building in agritech and poultry management, fostering innovation and growth within the sector.

State-Level Anchors and Job Creation.

Kaduna State leads with a significant US$200 million component spread over 10,000 hectares, integrating feed crops, processing, and logistics. This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate significant economic output. Enugu and Oyo are poised to host parallel pilot sites, testing scalability ahead of the planned 2027 national rollout.

Overall, the project promises to create tens of thousands of direct jobs in farming and processing, alongside indirect employment opportunities within supply chains.

Broader Economic Impacts.

By reducing reliance on poultry imports, the National Integrated Poultry Project aims to bolster food security and lower consumer prices for eggs and meat. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of achieving agro-industrial self-reliance, potentially paving the way for future exports of processed poultry products. As of March 2026, early progress in the pilot phase highlights momentum toward these ambitious objectives.

In summary, the National Integrated Poultry Project represents a transformative step for Nigeria's poultry sector, with the potential to significantly impact the nation's economy and food security.