Rearing of turkeys in Nigeria is of immense economic importance in many respects. Turkey production in Nigeria has largely remained at the smallholder level and the supply of the meat has tended to be seasonal due to high cost of production and inadequate skill of the producers. However, in recent times, there has been a steady increase in the demand for turkey meat throughout the year as a result of increasing population, high rate of urbanization, higher disposable income of the affluent, changes in food tastes, different feeding culture, and high demand for variety of meat. In spite of the existing and potential markets for turkey meat, there are several challenges facing the supply to the consumer market in Nigeria. This paper examines the challenges that beset turkey production in Nigeria and how they can impact negatively on the supply of turkey meat to the consumer market. It also suggests possible ways to address the challenges.

Keywords: Turkey, meat, consumer market, Nigeria