The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has re-emphasized the prohibition on the importation, sale, and distribution of frozen chicken, turkey, and catfish across Nigeria. This measure aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to support local agricultural producers and enhance food safety.

In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) page, NAFDAC highlighted that the policy aims to protect the nation’s poultry and aquaculture sectors while encouraging the consumption of locally sourced and certified food products.

The move comes amid persistent concerns raised by the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), which warned in 2023 that lifting foreign exchange restrictions on frozen chicken imports could destabilize the N12 trillion poultry industry, jeopardizing the livelihoods of over 20 million Nigerians.

Speaking during an awareness campaign at Kado Fish Market, Abuja, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, NAFDAC’s Director for the Federal Capital Territory, advised traders to prioritize the proper storage of frozen products to maintain quality and safety standards. He also urged them to stock and sell only goods registered and certified by NAFDAC.

The Chairman of the Abuja Fish and Frozen Food Sellers Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, reassured the agency of his members’ commitment to adhering to the regulations. He called on NAFDAC to implement fair enforcement to ensure balanced compliance across the board.

NAFDAC reiterated its dedication to promoting food security and fostering the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector through strict enforcement of this ban. The agency believes this initiative will bolster local production, reduce dependence on imports, and improve the quality of frozen products available in the market.