The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and development of the state chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN-LAG).
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, made the commitment at the PAN-LAG 2026 Annual Summit on Thursday in Lagos.
Olusanya was represented by Mr Femi Ogunseye at the summit.
The theme of the summit was “Flocking to Growth: Transforming Nigeria’s Poultry Industry with Innovation and Investment.”
It brought together poultry farmers and other stakeholders to promote innovation and best practices for increased productivity.
Olusanya said the theme aligned with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food system and reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic development.
She said the Lagos State Government, under Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, remained committed to building an agricultural economy where farmers prosper.
She added that the government also sought to ensure businesses thrive while consumers access affordable and nutritious food.
According to her, poultry production extends beyond eggs and chicken to nutrition, employment, entrepreneurship, youth engagement and food security.
She described the poultry industry as one of the fastest pathways to reducing Nigeria’s protein deficit.
Olusanya said the poultry value chain supports maize and soybean farmers, feed millers, veterinarians, transporters, processors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers.
She noted that every investment in poultry stimulates several sectors of the economy and strengthens national development.
According to her, government alone cannot transform the industry without partnerships among key stakeholders.
She urged stronger collaboration among government, PAN-LAG, research institutions, financial institutions, technology companies, insurers, development partners and private investors.
Olusanya said deliberate policies, innovation, investment and collaboration would position Nigeria’s poultry industry for global competitiveness.
Earlier, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Audu Emmanuel, urged poultry farmers to embrace innovation and strategic investments.
Emmanuel was represented at the event by Mr Babatunde Sonekan.
He said innovation remained essential for improving productivity, food security, employment and economic growth.
According to him, poultry remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and contributes significantly to food and nutrition security.
He urged farmers to adopt improved breeding technologies, automation, digital farm management, renewable energy and enhanced biosecurity measures.
Emmanuel commended PAN-LAG for promoting professionalism, best practices and collaboration among poultry farmers.
He expressed hope that the summit would produce recommendations to strengthen policies, encourage investment and improve access to finance.
In his welcome address, PAN-LAG Chairman, Mr Mojeed Iyiola, appreciated the Lagos State Government for supporting poultry farmers.
He also expressed optimism that the Egg Powder Factory at Igbodu, Epe, would commence operations soon.
According to him, the association is working to ensure the facility becomes operational in the near future.
He appealed for additional support and collaboration from stakeholders to ensure the factory’s successful take-off.
Iyiola said the poultry sector deserved greater attention because of its significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that the sector provides employment for over 25 per cent of Nigeria’s skilled and unskilled workforce, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
He appealed for sustainable government policies to strengthen and protect the poultry industry.
He advocated the reintroduction of the “One Egg A Child Per Day” school feeding programme.
According to him, the initiative will improve children’s nutrition while creating a reliable market for poultry farmers.
He reaffirmed PAN-LAG’s commitment to supporting government efforts to achieve food security in Lagos State and Nigeria.
