Nigeria’s poultry sector is preparing for transformation through the US$1 billion National Integrated Poultry Project, an initiative under the “Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP)”.

Announced in early 2026, the project aims to boost egg and broiler production while tackling feed shortages and import dependence. The pilot phase of Nigeria’s National Integrated Poultry Project has now begun across Enugu, Kaduna, and Oyo states, with plans for nationwide expansion in 2027.

NCSP Director-General, Joseph Tegbe revealed the rollout at the Chinese New Year Temple Fair in Abuja, marking the 55th anniversary of Nigeria-China diplomatic ties. This phase prioritises integrated farming, combining poultry rearing with large-scale maize and soybean cultivation for a sustainable supply of feed.

A GOAL OF 6 MILLION EGGS DAILY

The National Integrated Poultry Project features a full-spectrum approach, encompassing feed production, hatcheries, layer and broiler farms, processing plants, cold storage, and distribution networks. When fully operational, the National Integrated Poultry Project aims to house over 7 million laying birds and 2 million broilers, yielding 6 million eggs daily.

The plan also includes the cultivation of 60,000 hectares of crops for feed, directly addressing Nigeria’s poultry feed crisis exacerbated by rising costs and shortages.

Subsidised feed will extend to existing smallholder farmers, helping stabilise costs beyond the new facilities. Furthermore, technology transfer via scholarships and joint research under the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership will support long-term capacity building in agritech and poultry management.

STATE-LEVEL ANCHORS AND JOBS

Kaduna State leads with a US$200 million component on 10,000 hectares, integrating feed crops, processing, and logistics to generate thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in output. Enugu and Oyo will host parallel pilot sites, testing scalability before 2027 national rollout.

Overall, the project promises tens of thousands of direct jobs in farming and processing, plus indirect employment in supply chains.

BROADER ECONOMIC IMPACTS

By curbing poultry imports, the National Integrated Poultry Project targets food security and lower consumer prices for eggs and meat. It supports Nigeria’s push for agro-industrial self-reliance, potentially enabling future exports of processed products. As of March 2026, early pilot progress signals momentum toward these goals.