Poultry farming in Nigeria is one of the most lucrative agribusiness opportunities for both new and experienced entrepreneurs. While some sectors have buckled under economic fluctuations, inflation, currency volatility, policy shifts and evolving market dynamics, the sector remains resilient, offering high returns on investment, scalability, and a steady demand for poultry products.
This article explains why poultry farming is still a goldmine for Nigerian entrepreneurs and how you can get started.
Poultry farming is the agricultural practice of rearing domesticated species of birds to produce eggs and/or meat for food. The most popular species of bird raised for poultry farming is chicken, but turkeys, ducks, and geese are also raised for the purpose of producing meat and eggs for human consumption.
Poultry farming is a significant agricultural sector that supplies essential protein using various techniques, from small backyard setups to highly industrialised systems.
Poultry farming in Nigeria is a rapidly growing sector that significantly contributes to food security, job creation, and overall economic growth. Poultry farming in Nigeria has evolved from traditional subsistence practices to become one of the country’s most dynamic agricultural sectors.
Poultry farming in Nigeria began with the rearing of indigenous chicken breeds for home consumption and expanded significantly during the colonial era, with the introduction of modern farming techniques and exotic breeds.
Following independence, the rise of urban populations and government support fueled further growth, ultimately leading to the establishment of commercial farms. However, disease outbreaks in the 1980s and 1990s, such as Newcastle disease and avian influenza, highlighted the need for improved biosecurity and veterinary care.
Today, Nigeria is Africa’s largest egg producer and holds the continent’s second-largest chicken population, with over 180 million birds. The industry produces hundreds of thousands of metric tons of meat and eggs annually, supporting the livelihoods of over 85 million people in Nigeria.
Despite its growth, local production currently meets only around 30% of national demand, leaving room for further expansion. With the right investments, better disease control, and increased access to finance, Nigeria’s poultry sector holds great promise for enhancing food security, creating jobs, and boosting the national economy.
Chicken and eggs are components of the diet consumed in Nigerian households, restaurants, hotels, and fast-food chains. This widespread consumption has contributed to the profitability of poultry farming, making it a highly profitable venture across the country. Here are other reasons why poultry farming remains a goldmine.
Nigeria’s expanding population has created a need for affordable protein, and poultry is the most readily available source. Local production meets only a portion of the demand for chicken eggs and meat, highlighting a significant supply gap and presenting expansion opportunities. According to the Poultry Association of Nigeria, the country consumes over 1.5 million metric tonnes of poultry meat and 10 billion eggs annually, yet local production still falls short of meeting demand. This demand presents a market for poultry farmers and creates opportunities for new and intending poultry farmers.
Every agribusiness has a process before revenue generation, and poultry farming is no exception. Poultry farming has one of the quickest production cycles, making it very considerable; for example, boilers reach market weight in 6 to 8 weeks, while layers begin laying eggs at 18 to 20 weeks. This enables calculable revenue generation, the recoupment of your investment and the reinvestment of income several times each year.
Poultry farming may be adapted to fit any budget, from ₦100,000 to ₦10 million. You can start small with a few birds in your backyard and expand to a professional operation with thousands of layers or broilers, making it appealing to both new farmers and experienced investors.
Poultry farming in Nigeria is not limited to just meat and eggs. Agripreneurs can diversify their income through the following:
Starting a poultry farm does not require extensive land or heavy machinery. You can start in your backyard or on a small plot with proper preparation. The presence of local hatcheries, feed mills, and veterinary services makes it easier for newcomers to obtain the required resources and technical assistance.
The Nigerian government provides funding and technical support to poultry farmers under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme through agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria. Through projects, it helps boost local poultry production and reduce import dependence.
Similarly, industry experts are championing cooperative-driven models as the future of sustainable poultry farming. Ayoluwa Okediji, a notable agribusiness strategist and digital agriculture advocate, stressed at the April 2025 Oyo Mega Poultry Workshop that individual operators often struggle to survive due to rising feed costs, unstable pricing, and limited financing options.
He therefore stated that forming cooperative clusters with transparent governance structures and pooled resources enables poultry farmers to attract structured investment, spread risks, and build resilient, scalable businesses.
Poultry farming in Nigeria remains a lucrative venture due to its high demand, scalability, rapid return on investment (ROI), and government support. With proper planning, knowledge, and commitment, entrepreneurs can tap into this thriving sector and build a profitable business contributing to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
Are you thinking of investing in poultry farming? The best time to start is now.
