The broiler chicken production value chain in Nigeria between needs and policy: situation analysis, action plan for development, and lessons for other developing countries

Abstract Poultry production is important in Nigeria and other developing economies, mainly because it provides much-needed employment and is crucial for food security. The Nigerian broiler production system is relatively disorganized and its structures are relatively undefined due to a dearth of information. Broiler industry’s development depends on some factors including input–output systems, stable policies, focused development plans, competitive marketing, and cutting-edge technologies. To understand these factors, the industry’s policy review, field survey, and market analysis were carried out. Findings confirmed that policy was inconsistent and inadequate, prices of local products were higher than those of smuggled (illegal imports) comparative products and local producers were under pressure internally because the input–output system put additional stress on the system with attendant high risks of food safety and security. While the Nigerian broiler industry has tremendous potential for expansion, stakeholders’ engagement in policy formulation and implementation, a systematic national development plan, updates of redundant laws and regulations, and an overall improvement in biosecurity including the determination of critical control points are necessary. Similarly, cross-national and trans-border synergistic activities should be engaged by regulators, and it is important to engage comparative adaptive research to draw benefits from other developing countries with functional and developed broiler industries, which should benefit the Nigeria broiler industry.