A non-for-profit organisation, ProVeg Nigeria, has called for an agro-sustainable, climate-positive, and job-creating indigenous plant-based protein food systems.
These, it says, will benefit Nigeria and Africa, rather than expanding intensive chicken farming that undermines smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and public health.
The Executive Director, Mr Hakeem Jimo, made the call in a statement on Wednesday.
Jimo was reacting to draft by African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), seeking to institutionalise battery cages for laying hens across Africa.
ARSO, in a draft standard (CD-ARS 1241:2025(E), seeks to institutionalise battery cages for laying hens across Africa.
ARSO, with regard to poultry housing, says the laying hen cage system has become the most important facility as it guarantees the welfare of birds, while laying.
Hence, it says, the need to develop welfare guidelines.
ARSO says cages for laying hens are essential in poultry production to ensure their profitability.
Jimo, however, said that the claims made in the draft contained scientifically unfounded assertions regarding animal welfare.
“A primary concern cited by ProVeg is the link between intensive animal farming and global health crises.
“Scientific evidence consistently demonstrates that such practices contribute to environmental pollution, affecting nearby farmland and elevated risks of antimicrobial resistance and future zoonotic pandemics, “ he said.
Jimoh, therefore, called for food systems to be future-proofed for generations of Nigerians to come.
According to him, to do that, the country must look beyond animal-based protein, which faces persistent challenges of affordability, accessibility, and distribution, while raising grave health and environmental concerns.
“The continent’s nutritional needs are better met through climate-resilient crops like cowpeas and bambara groundnuts.
“Strengthening the quality infrastructure for these indigenous legumes aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and offers a strategic trade advantage under the AfCFTA.
“Standardising plant-based proteins enables Nigerian producers to tap into the rapidly expanding global market for sustainable ingredients,
“This shift improves our trade balance and promotes nutrient-dense food that truly supports our population’s needs,” he said.
Jimoh, however, called on the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), which is a member of ARSO to intervene to remove false welfare claims and the characterisation of cages as “essential” from the draft standard.
He also called for proper public consultation to ensure Nigerian stakeholders were heard.
“We also propose a working group to develop harmonised regional standards for indigenous, plant-based protein crops to facilitate pan-African trade.
“Finally, SON should ensure that African standards uplift, rather than undermine, the welfare and interests of African animals, consumers, and communities, “ he said.
