The Cross River State Government has restated its commitment to boosting poultry production, supporting farmers and improving access to affordable eggs across the state.
The government made the commitment on Friday, October 9, 2026, during activities to mark World Egg Day in Calabar, where poultry farmers raised concerns over the high cost of animal feed and other challenges affecting their businesses.
The celebration, organised by the Cross River State Ministry of Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development, had the theme, "Protein that Powers and Protects."
Representing Governor Bassey Otu at the event, the Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development, Chief Dr. Francis Edet Ekpenyong, described eggs as an important source of protein needed for healthy growth, physical strength and a strong immune system.
He said the state government was working to strengthen poultry production through support for hatcheries and feed mills, improved access to loans, veterinary services, vaccination, farmer training and better market opportunities.
According to him, these efforts would be supported through public-private partnerships and the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) programme.
Ekpenyong also encouraged more women and young people to venture into poultry farming, saying the sector has the potential to create jobs, improve food security and contribute to the state's economic growth.
Farmers Raise Alarm Over High Feed Costs
Despite the government's plans, poultry farmers used the occasion to draw attention to the difficulties they face in keeping their businesses running.
The Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Cross River State Chapter, Engr. Umagu Valentine, said the high cost of feed was one of the biggest problems confronting poultry farmers.
He disclosed that feed alone accounts for more than 60 per cent of the cost of poultry production, making it difficult for many farmers to sustain their businesses.
Other challenges he identified included flooding, limited access to finance, inadequate veterinary services and a shortage of extension support for farmers.
Umagu warned that these problems were affecting farmers' ability to maintain production, pay their workers and ensure a steady supply of eggs to the market.
He called on the state government, financial institutions and development partners to provide urgent support, particularly through affordable credit and measures to reduce production costs.
The poultry association chairman, however, commended Governor Otu for the attention given to the sector and acknowledged efforts to improve access to vaccines, extension services and other opportunities through the L-PRES programme.
Govt Takes Egg Nutrition Campaign to Schools
As part of the World Egg Day celebration, the state ministry also visited five schools in Calabar to educate pupils on the nutritional benefits of eggs and encourage healthy eating habits.
At the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) School, pupils participated in an interactive session on the importance of eggs in their diets.
Some of the pupils explained that eggs contain vitamins and minerals that help children grow strong and remain healthy.
The school's headteacher, Mrs. Mary Okpene, commended the ministry for taking the campaign to schools.
She said educating children about healthy eating was important for their physical and mental development. She also encouraged parents to include eggs in their children's meals and called for increased production to make them more accessible.
The Director of Livestock, Mrs. Glory Ekpenyong, had earlier highlighted the nutritional value of eggs, noting that they contain essential nutrients that support muscle development, brain function and general wellbeing.
She added that poultry farming provides livelihoods for many people and that cooperation among the government, researchers and farmers was necessary to improve production and make eggs more affordable.
The Challenge Ahead
While the government's renewed commitment offers hope to poultry farmers, the high cost of feed remains a major concern for the industry.
If farmers continue to spend more than 60 per cent of their production costs on feed, expanding their businesses and keeping egg prices affordable for ordinary families could remain difficult.
The success of the state's plans will therefore depend not only on promises of support but also on practical steps to reduce production costs, improve access to finance, strengthen veterinary services and help farmers increase output.
For consumers, increased local egg production could improve availability and help ease the pressure of rising food costs. For young people and rural communities, a stronger poultry industry could also provide opportunities for business, employment and income generation.
World Egg Day is celebrated annually to promote awareness of the nutritional value of eggs and the contribution of egg production to food security and livelihoods.
Source: Cross River State Ministry of Information and Orientation.
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