By Okporie C.A
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has initiated collaboration with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture to revive the Hatchery located in Nkaliki, Ebonyi State.
The hatchery, a 38-hectare poultry, fishery, and piggery complex, was originally established by the defunct Eastern Regional Government and later revived during the administration of former Governor, Dr. Sam O. Egwu. It was conceived as a commercial hub for poultry and fish production in the South-East, with the goal of reducing dependence on imported products.
Currently, the Ebonyi State Government is integrating the facility into the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) to boost productivity and sustainability.
During a visit to the facility, the RMRDC team led by an Assistant Director, Mrs. P.N. Nwagu was received by the General Manager, Mr. Okechukwu Ogah, who commended the Council for its interest in the hatchery. While speaking, Mrs. Nwagu, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and highlighted the Council’s ongoing efforts through its state offices to engage researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders across the raw materials value chain.
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She outlined several key initiatives of the Council, including the ongoing fabrication of a hammer mill, development of a melt-blown machine, promotion of natural indigo dye, and advancement of cashew and shea butter value chains. She also referenced the Nigeria Raw Materials Information Management System (NRMIMS), the e-registration portal for industries, and strategic engagements with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance local sourcing and ensure compliance with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff.
Mrs. Nwagu further noted recent policy developments such as tax incentives for industries utilizing local raw materials and the proposed 30 percent value addition bill currently awaiting presidential assent. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable industrial growth.
In his response, Mr. Ogah acknowledged the critical role of RMRDC, particularly in the area of value addition, and reiterated the need for partnership to restore the hatchery’s full operational capacity.
He, however, decried the current state of the facility, citing moribund infrastructure and equipment, including incubators, hatching platforms, and processing units, as major constraints to efficient operation. He added that the hatchery comprises several departments, including broilers, layers, parent stock, feed mill processing, and product processing units.
Mr. Ogah disclosed that the Ebonyi State Government, through the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Mrs. Nkechinyere Iyioku, is open to partnerships with relevant agencies and organizations to actualize the vision of Governor Francis Nwifuru in restoring the hatchery to its former status.
He expressed optimism that, with renewed collaboration, the facility could once again become a leading supplier of frozen chicken and eggs across the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria.
