Nigeria seeks private investment in poultry farming

Poultry farming is a major part of Nigeria’s livestock industry, but production and processing capabilities remain limited. The government is trying to attract private investment to improve these areas and boost the sector.

Jigawa State partners with Indian firm

On October 23, Jigawa State signed a memorandum of understanding with Srinivasa Farms Private Limited, an Indian company established in 1965. The partnership aims to set up a one-day chick production company in Jigawa, focusing on breeding, feed production, and processing.

Collaboration began with mutual visits

The collaboration started in 2025 when Jigawa officials visited Srinivasa Farms in India. Later, in April 2026, a company delegation visited Jigawa to explore cooperation opportunities. The project, a public-private partnership worth $10 million, will create a modern hatchery with Srinivasa Farms owning 60% and the state government 40%.

Hatchery aims to improve chick transport

The hatchery is expected to reduce the long-distance transport of day-old chicks from southern production centers to northern farms. Current transport distances of 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers often result in poor chick condition, affecting their health and feeding response.

Project includes technical support and youth involvement

The partnership includes technical support for poultry farmers in areas like farm management, disease monitoring, and sanitation. The government also plans to improve delivery infrastructure and involve young people in the distribution process, though no start date or production capacity has been announced.

Nigeria faces chick supply shortages

Nigeria has been experiencing persistent shortages of day-old chicks. In June 2026, the federal Ministry of Livestock Development noted supply difficulties, partly due to underused import quotas. Prices for day-old chicks have risen significantly in recent months, forcing some farmers to reduce their flock sizes.

Nigerian poultry market is growing

The Nigerian poultry market is expanding, with poultry meat production increasing by 7.8% from 2020 to 2024, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. The new hatchery in Jigawa State offers Srinivasa Farms a chance to enter a growing market facing supply challenges.