Lagos, Nigeria — Local poultry farmers have blocked a $900 million Chinese investment package meant to build hatcheries, feed mills and cold-chain plants across Nigeria, trade sources told Africa Business Insider.
Farmers’ groups say the scheme would swamp the domestic market and squeeze small operators already battling high feed prices and tight credit. Their objections have halted the signing of financing contracts that were reportedly ready.
Nigeria currently imports about one million tonnes of frozen chicken a year; backers claim the Chinese funds could triple domestic output within five years. Critics cite earlier joint ventures that, they say, delivered little to Nigerian producers.
The agriculture ministry has not responded to the farmers’ demands for tariff protection, local-content quotas and a phased roll-out. Further talks are expected next month, but no revised timeline has been set.
Source: Africa. Businessinsider
