Ogun poultry farmers seek exemption from land use charge payment

T The acting Chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria, Ogun State, Dr Ajibola Odukoya, on Wednesday, urged Gov Dapo Abiodun to exempt poultry farmers in the state from payment of the annual land use charges which could amount to N2 million per farmer.

Dr Odukoya said such taxation amid the prevailing harsh economy, insecurity, high cost of production among others, could lead to further shutdown of poultry businesses.

Odukoya made this call at the briefing held at the association’s secretariat to herald the celebration of the 2024 World Egg Day, with the theme: “United by Eggs.”

He decried that Nigeria presently produced 9 million eggs per month whereas twice that number was produced last year.

Odukoya said: “Even as poultry farmers are trying hard to keep feeding the nation despite the harsh economy and rising cost of production, we are faced with unfriendly taxes from the Ogun State government like land use and amenity charge.

“Farmers are asked to pay as much as N2 million, N850,000 and it is not as if the farmers are making such profit; we are just struggling to keep feeding the nation; we don’t have such money.

‘’We sincerely plead with the government to exempt the poultry farmers from paying this land use and amenity charge to strengthen our survival so that we don’t shut down like many farmers.”

While asking the government to help in curbing open and indiscriminate grazing, the PAN Chairman also reminded the state government of its promise to support the poultry farmers with 10,000 metric tonnes of maize out of which 200 metric tonnes was released about seven months ago.

Odukoya said that the essence of this year’s celebration was to draw people’s attention to the nutritional value of an egg.

He explained that eggs contain essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, vitamins A, D, E, B12, and important minerals like iron and selenium as well as healthy fats like omega-3s.

He added that regular consumption of eggs can improve brain health, boost immunity, support eye health, and help in muscle building and repair while they are also beneficial for children’s growth and development.

Odukoya urged Nigerians to shift to eating at least one egg per day and expect improved well-being and healthy living.

Dr Grace Oluwalegan of Elshadai Veterinary Services also described eggs as a balanced diet, adding that there was no age limit to consumption of eggs.

Dr Oluwalegan said eggs remained the cheapest source of protein.