Poultry Farmers Commend CBN on Maize Importation

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has reiterated its support for the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which recently granted import waivers to some companies to import 262,000 metric tons of maize,” explaining that the action was to prevent an imminent food crisis.

Following the devastating impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, poultry farmers in the country had agonised over the gross shortfall of maize and other feeds. Four companies – Premier Feeds Mills Wacot, Chi Farms and Crown Flour – were therefore allowed to shore up the demand for maize in the poultry industry through importation.

Confirming the arrival of the 262,000 metric tons of maize, PAN President, Mr. Ezekiel Ibrahim, said that the CBN’s was to bridge the supply gap and that the group considered it the right action in the circumstance.

He explained: “As a necessary evil, the CBN approved import licenses to some members of our association so that the industry would not be allowed to close down. The gesture has greatly helped the poultry industry to continue with production before the harvest season, which will be around November 2020. Import waivers are normally granted as the last resort and out of necessity. It is not the issue of choice but the opportunity cost.”

The Ogun State Chairperson of PAN, Mrs. Blessing Alawode, said that the quality of maize imported was not even enough to meet the requirement of the poultry industry for one month.

She further said: “The 262,000 metric tons of maize is to help us survive for a while.