poultry

Public health experts and veterinary authorities have raised concerns over increasing levels of antibiotic residues in poultry products in Nigeria, warning of potential risks to consumers and the broader healthcare system.

The warning follows insights from Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2024–2028), which identifies the misuse of antibiotics in livestock as a major contributor to rising drug resistance. According to officials, Nigeria is already among countries heavily impacted by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making the issue a growing public health priority.

Experts say a key driver of the problem is the failure by many poultry farmers to observe proper “withdrawal periods”, the time required for drugs administered to animals to leave their system before their meat or eggs are consumed.

Recent research conducted across multiple universities found that a significant number of commercial poultry farms do not fully comply with recommended drug-use guidelines. The study detected traces of common antibiotics, including tetracyclines and penicillins, in a portion of eggs sampled in different parts of the country.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Jide Idris, warned that such practices could expose consumers to low doses of antibiotics over time, potentially reducing the effectiveness of these drugs when needed for medical treatment.

Health professionals note that prolonged exposure to antibiotic residues in food can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a condition in which infections become harder to treat. They also warn of possible allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to certain medications.

Beyond health risks, officials have cautioned that the trend could have economic consequences. Projections suggest that antimicrobial resistance could negatively impact agricultural productivity and long-term economic growth if left unchecked.

Authorities acknowledge gaps in enforcement, particularly around the sale and use of veterinary drugs. While awareness of antimicrobial resistance is relatively high among farmers, experts say compliance remains inconsistent due to weak regulation and limited oversight.

In response, the federal government has taken steps to strengthen coordination and policy direction ahead of an upcoming global conference on antimicrobial resistance, which Nigeria is set to host in 2026.

Stakeholders are calling for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations, improved veterinary supervision, and greater public awareness. They also urge consumers to be mindful of food sources and support policies that promote safer agricultural practices.

As efforts intensify to address antimicrobial resistance, experts stress that improving food safety standards will be critical in protecting public health and ensuring the continued effectiveness of life-saving medications.