Antibiotics hinder local egg powder production – Lagos farmers

Major food corporations persist in purchasing imported egg powder rather than locally produced alternatives, according to poultry farmers in Lagos, Nigeria. The issue lies with the common use of antibiotics among Nigerian poultry farmers, in contrast to European producers who favor probiotics. Mojeed Iyiola, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria's Lagos State Chapter, emphasized that Nigerian farmers must alter production methods and establish farms specializing in antibiotic-free egg production for the country to compete effectively with imported egg powder.

Antibiotic residues in the egg powder have deterred prominent companies, like Cadbury, from purchasing locally produced eggs, despite their availability. Iyiola advised farmers to implement specialized production systems for antibiotic-free eggs and for the government to support these farmers. He also stressed the need for a reliable supply of eggs suitable for processing to establish an egg powder factory in Igbodo, Epe, which could address the substantial egg losses due to weak demand.