SEDC intends to develop poultry in the south-east of Nigeria

During the 2026 Eastern International Poultry Summit in Enugu, SEDC Managing Director Mark Okoye Jr. announced the commission's plans to support the poultry industry. The agency was represented at the event by Dr. Cliff Ogbede, Executive Director of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development.

According to Ogbede, the development of poultry production should strengthen food security, improve public nutrition, and create jobs. He noted that the region currently depends on food and livestock supplies from other parts of the country, and also faces high feed prices, climatic challenges, and a reliance on external supplies of raw materials.

To modernize the agricultural sector, the commission intends to leverage the experience of the late Dr. Michael Okpara's administration from the 1950s–1960s, adapting it to modern economic realities. SEDC has already engaged experts to study these strategies with a focus on private investment and livestock.

During the summit, Sir Izuolisa Onu, National Vice President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) for the zone, recalled that the area was formerly the country's largest poultry hub, but lost its leading position to the southwest. Now the association is discussing opportunities to revive the sector.

Former USDA advisor Uche Nzekwe proposed developing a comprehensive strategy for the industry and establishing an integrated company across the entire value chain — Oriental Integrated Poultry Limited. Representatives of chambers of commerce, regional authorities, and experts took part in the event.