How Much Does It Cost to Build a Concrete Snail Pen in Nigeria? (2025 Full Breakdown)

Building a concrete snail pen in Nigeria costs between ₦150,000 and ₦800,000 depending on size and design.
I’m Peter Ezebube. I’ve trained over 300 farmers at Odeda Farm Institute in Ogun State.
Many beginners ask me: “Is concrete really necessary for snail farming?”
My answer is always the same. Concrete pens last longer than wood or bamboo structures.
They protect your snails from predators like rats, snakes, and soldier ants.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly what you’ll spend on materials and labor.
You’ll also learn mistakes that cost farmers thousands of naira unnecessarily.
Let’s break down the cost of constructing a concrete snail pen from start to finish.
Why Concrete Pens Are Better Than Wooden Structures
I started snail farming in 2012 using wooden boxes covered with mesh wire.
Within six months, termites ate through the wood. I lost 200 snails overnight.
My neighbor in Eweje village built a concrete pen that same year.
His pen is still standing strong today. Mine collapsed after one rainy season.
Concrete pens cost more upfront but save you money over time.
They don’t rot. They don’t need constant repairs or replacement every year.
Predators can’t chew through concrete walls like they do with wood or bamboo.
According to the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), concrete structures reduce snail mortality by 40%.
That’s a huge difference when you’re raising 500 or 1,000 snails for market.
Size Matters: Small, Medium, or Large Concrete Snail Pen?

The cost of constructing a concrete snail pen depends heavily on the size you choose.
Here’s a simple breakdown based on pen dimensions:
Small Pen (1m x 1m x 0.5m height):
- Holds 50 to 100 mature snails
- Best for backyard farmers or beginners
- Total cost: ₦150,000 to ₦250,000
Medium Pen (2m x 2m x 0.6m height):
- Holds 200 to 400 snails comfortably
- Good for semi-commercial farming
- Total cost: ₦350,000 to ₦500,000
Large Pen (3m x 3m x 0.8m height):
- Holds 600 to 1,000 snails
- Suitable for commercial production
- Total cost: ₦600,000 to ₦800,000
I always tell my students at Odeda Farm Institute to start small.
Build one or two medium pens first. Learn the rearing process before scaling up.
Many farmers rush into big structures and regret it later when management becomes difficult.
Breaking Down the Cost of Constructing a Concrete Snail Pen (Materials)
Let’s talk about materials. This is where most of your money goes.
I’ll use a medium-sized pen (2m x 2m x 0.6m) as our example.
This is the most popular size among Nigerian farmers I’ve trained.
Cement:
- You’ll need 8 to 10 bags of cement (50kg each)
- Current price per bag: ₦8,000 to ₦10,000
- Total cement cost: ₦80,000 to ₦100,000
Sharp Sand:
- About 2 to 3 tons depending on soil condition
- Price per ton: ₦15,000 to ₦20,000
- Total sand cost: ₦40,000 to ₦60,000
Granite (Stones):
- 1.5 to 2 tons for foundation and walls
- Price per ton: ₦18,000 to ₦25,000
- Total granite cost: ₦35,000 to ₦50,000
Iron Rods (12mm):
- 10 to 15 pieces for reinforcement
- Price per piece: ₦4,500 to ₦6,000
- Total iron rod cost: ₦50,000 to ₦70,000
Binding Wire:
- 2 to 3 bundles for tying iron rods
- Price per bundle: ₦3,000 to ₦4,000
- Total wire cost: ₦8,000 to ₦12,000
Mesh Wire (Ceiling Cover):
- To prevent escape and allow ventilation
- 2m x 2m galvanized mesh
- Total mesh cost: ₦15,000 to ₦25,000
Wood for Shuttering:
- Temporary support during concrete casting
- About 10 to 15 planks
- Total wood cost: ₦20,000 to ₦30,000
Nails and Miscellaneous:
- Various sizes for shuttering work
- Total: ₦8,000 to ₦12,000
Here’s a visual summary table showing material costs for different pen sizes:
| Material | Small Pen (1m x 1m) | Medium Pen (2m x 2m) | Large Pen (3m x 3m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cement | ₦40,000 – ₦50,000 | ₦80,000 – ₦100,000 | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Sharp Sand | ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 | ₦40,000 – ₦60,000 | ₦70,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Granite | ₦18,000 – ₦25,000 | ₦35,000 – ₦50,000 | ₦60,000 – ₦90,000 |
| Iron Rods | ₦25,000 – ₦35,000 | ₦50,000 – ₦70,000 | ₦90,000 – ₦130,000 |
| Mesh Wire | ₦8,000 – ₦12,000 | ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 | ₦30,000 – ₦45,000 |
| Wood/Others | ₦15,000 – ₦20,000 | ₦30,000 – ₦45,000 | ₦50,000 – ₦75,000 |
| Total Materials | ₦126,000 – ₦172,000 | ₦250,000 – ₦350,000 | ₦450,000 – ₦640,000 |
These prices reflect 2025 market rates in Ogun, Lagos, and surrounding states.
Prices may vary slightly if you’re buying in Kano, Enugu, or Port Harcourt.
Always compare prices from at least three different suppliers before buying.
Labor Costs: Hiring Masons and Helpers
Materials are just one part of the cost of constructing a concrete snail pen.
You also need skilled workers to actually build the structure properly.
I’ve seen farmers try to cut costs by doing everything themselves.
Most end up with weak walls, poor drainage, or uneven floors that cause problems.
Mason (Bricklayer):
- Experienced mason rate: ₦5,000 to ₦8,000 per day
- A medium pen takes 4 to 6 days to complete
- Total mason cost: ₦25,000 to ₦48,000
Laborer (Helper):
- Helper rate: ₦3,000 to ₦5,000 per day
- You’ll need 1 to 2 helpers for mixing and carrying
- Total helper cost: ₦15,000 to ₦30,000
Carpenter (For Shuttering):
- Some masons do this themselves, others don’t
- If separate: ₦3,000 to ₦5,000 per day for 2 days
- Total carpenter cost: ₦6,000 to ₦10,000
Total labor for a medium-sized concrete snail pen runs between ₦46,000 and ₦88,000.
This brings your total pen construction cost to around ₦350,000 to ₦500,000 for materials plus labor.
One farmer I trained, Mrs. Adeyemi from Abeokuta, negotiated a flat rate of ₦60,000 for everything.
Her mason agreed because she provided all meals during the construction week.
This is common practice in rural areas. Food can reduce your labor expenses significantly.
Hidden Costs Most Farmers Forget to Budget For
The cost of constructing a concrete snail pen includes expenses beyond materials and labor.
I learned this the hard way during my first commercial farm setup in 2014.
Transportation:
- Moving cement, sand, and granite to your farm location
- Typical cost: ₦10,000 to ₦25,000 depending on distance
- Remote locations pay more for delivery
Water Supply:
- You need plenty of water for mixing concrete
- If your farm lacks a borehole, you’ll buy water
- Cost: ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 for the entire project
Security During Construction:
- Materials left overnight can disappear
- Cement and iron rods are especially vulnerable
- Some farmers hire a guard: ₦2,000 to ₦3,000 per night
Drainage System:
- Proper drainage prevents waterlogging that kills snails
- PVC pipes and gravel: ₦8,000 to ₦15,000
Roofing/Shade:
- Concrete pens need protection from direct sunlight and heavy rain
- Thatched roof or shade net: ₦20,000 to ₦40,000
- Some farmers use old zinc sheets to save money
Foundation Digging:
- If the mason doesn’t include this in his rate
- Excavation cost: ₦5,000 to ₦10,000
Add these hidden costs and you could spend an extra ₦50,000 to ₦108,000.
This is why I always tell beginners to budget at least 20% more than their calculation.
Better to have money left over than to stop construction halfway through.
Step-by-Step: How We Build Concrete Snail Pens at Odeda Farm Institute
I’ll walk you through our exact construction process for a medium concrete snail pen.
This method has worked reliably for hundreds of farmers I’ve trained since 2012.
Day 1: Site Preparation
- Clear the area of grass, roots, and debris
- Mark out the pen dimensions using pegs and rope
- Dig foundation trenches 30cm deep and 20cm wide
Day 2: Foundation Laying
- Mix concrete ratio: 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts granite
- Pour foundation and insert iron rods vertically for wall support
- Allow foundation to cure for 24 hours minimum
Day 3-4: Wall Construction
- Build concrete walls using blocks or cast-in-place method
- Wall thickness should be at least 15cm for strength
- Leave small drainage holes (2cm diameter) at the base
Day 5: Floor Casting
- Create a slight slope (about 2 degrees) toward drainage holes
- Mix and pour floor concrete smoothly
- Roughen the surface slightly so snails can grip properly
Day 6: Finishing Touches
- Install mesh wire cover with wooden or metal frame
- Add hinges so you can open the top for feeding
- Apply waterproof coating on inner walls to prevent moisture absorption
Day 7 Onward: Curing Period
- Sprinkle water on the concrete twice daily for 7 days
- This prevents cracks and strengthens the structure
- Don’t introduce snails until at least 14 days after completion
My student, Chukwudi from Owerri, rushed this process and introduced snails after 5 days.
The fresh concrete leached harmful chemicals. He lost 30% of his breeding stock.
Always wait the full curing period before adding soil and snails.
Common Mistakes That Increase the Cost of Constructing a Concrete Snail Pen
I’ve watched farmers waste money on avoidable construction errors over the years.
Let me share the most common mistakes so you don’t repeat them.
Mistake 1: Building on Waterlogged Ground
One farmer in Sagamu built his pens in a low-lying area near a stream.
Every rainy season, water flooded the pens and drowned hundreds of snails.
He eventually abandoned the structure and lost his entire ₦400,000 investment.
Always build on elevated, well-drained land. This prevents waterlogging completely.
Mistake 2: Using Poor Quality Cement
Some suppliers sell fake or expired cement at discounted prices.
A farmer I know bought 10 bags from a roadside seller to save ₦15,000.
The concrete crumbled within three months. He had to demolish and rebuild everything.
Only buy cement from trusted dealers. Check manufacturing dates on each bag.
Mistake 3: Wrong Concrete Mixing Ratio
The standard ratio is 1:2:4 (cement:sand:granite) for structural strength.
Some masons use 1:3:6 to “stretch” materials and pocket the savings.
This creates weak walls that crack under pressure or during heavy rains.
Always supervise the mixing process or hire someone you trust completely.
Mistake 4: No Reinforcement
I’ve seen farmers skip iron rods to cut costs by ₦50,000.
Their walls develop cracks within six months and eventually collapse.
Iron reinforcement is not optional. It’s what holds everything together long-term.
Mistake 5: Poor Drainage Design
Snails need moisture but not flooding. Many farmers forget drainage holes at the base.
Water accumulates, soil becomes soggy, and snails develop shell problems or die.
Always include 3-4 small drainage holes per pen wall near the bottom.
Mistake 6: Building Too Many Pens at Once
Beginners often build 5 or 6 pens immediately because they’re excited.
Then they realize managing that many snails is overwhelming and expensive.
Start with 2 pens maximum. Add more as you gain experience and confidence.
Real Cost Example: Medium Pen Built in Ogun State (2024)
Let me share actual figures from a pen we built last year at our institute.
This gives you a real-world reference point for your own planning.
Project Details:
- Location: Odeda Farm Institute, Ogun State
- Pen Size: 2m x 2m x 0.6m height
- Construction Period: March 2024 (6 days)
Material Costs:
- Cement (9 bags): ₦81,000
- Sharp sand (2.5 tons): ₦47,500
- Granite (1.8 tons): ₦43,200
- Iron rods (12 pieces): ₦60,000
- Mesh wire: ₦22,000
- Wood for shuttering: ₦25,000
- Nails and binding wire: ₦10,500
- Waterproof coating: ₦8,000
- Total Materials: ₦297,200
Labor Costs:
- Mason (6 days): ₦42,000
- Helper (6 days): ₦24,000
- Total Labor: ₦66,000
Other Expenses:
- Transportation: ₦15,000
- Water supply: ₦8,000
- Drainage pipes: ₦12,000
- Total Other: ₦35,000
Grand Total: ₦398,200
We rounded up to ₦400,000 for the final budget to cover unexpected expenses.
This pen now houses 350 mature snails and has been operating perfectly since March.
No cracks, no leaks, no structural problems even during heavy September rains.
How to Reduce the Cost of Constructing a Concrete Snail Pen
You don’t need ₦500,000 to start concrete snail pen construction in Nigeria.
Here are practical ways to cut costs without compromising quality.
Buy Materials in Bulk:
If you’re building multiple pens, negotiate bulk discounts with suppliers.
I once saved ₦35,000 buying 20 bags of cement at once instead of buying weekly.
Suppliers often give 5-10% discount for bulk purchases of ₦200,000 or more.
Use Local Labor:
Masons in rural areas charge less than those in cities like Lagos or Abuja.
A mason in Eweje charges ₦4,000 per day. The same skill costs ₦8,000 in Ikeja.
If your farm is rural, hire locally and save significantly on labor.
Provide Meals:
Offering breakfast and lunch can reduce daily labor rates by ₦1,000 to ₦2,000.
Most workers appreciate good food and will work more efficiently.
Reuse Shuttering Wood:
Don’t throw away the wood after removing it from the concrete walls.
Clean and store it properly for your next pen or other farm structures.
Source Sand Locally:
Transporting sand long distances increases your costs dramatically.
Find the nearest sand depot or river sand source to your location.
Start Smaller:
Build a 1m x 1m pen first. It costs half as much as a 2m x 2m structure.
Test your farming skills before investing in larger commercial pens.
DIY What You Can:
If you have basic construction knowledge, handle site clearing and digging yourself.
You’ll save ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 in preliminary labor costs.
One farmer in Ibadan cut his total expenses from ₦420,000 to ₦310,000 using these methods.
He built three small pens instead of one large one and learned faster too.
Maintenance Costs: Keeping Your Concrete Snail Pen in Good Shape
The cost of constructing a concrete snail pen doesn’t end after building it.
You need to budget for basic maintenance to extend the structure’s lifespan.
Annual Maintenance Tasks:
Concrete pens require less maintenance than wooden structures but still need attention.
Repainting/Recoating:
- Apply fresh waterproof coating every 2 years
- Cost: ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per pen
- Prevents water seepage and extends wall life
Mesh Replacement:
- Wire mesh rusts after 3-4 years in humid areas
- Replacement cost: ₦15,000 to ₦25,000
- Check monthly for holes that predators could use
Drainage Cleaning:
- Clear blocked drainage holes every 3 months
- Cost: Free if you do it yourself
- Prevents water accumulation and snail deaths
Crack Repairs:
- Small cracks appear naturally over time
- Seal with cement mix: ₦3,000 to ₦8,000 per repair
- Address cracks immediately before they spread
Total Annual Maintenance: ₦10,000 to ₦25,000
Compare this to wooden pens that need ₦50,000 to ₦80,000 yearly repairs or replacement.
Concrete pens pay for themselves through reduced maintenance costs over 5 years.
Comparing Costs: Concrete vs. Wood vs. Plastic Snail Pens

Many farmers ask me if concrete is really worth the higher initial cost.
Let me show you a 5-year cost comparison across different pen types.
Wooden Pen:
- Initial construction: ₦80,000 to ₦120,000
- Annual repairs/replacement: ₦40,000 to ₦60,000
- 5-year total: ₦280,000 to ₦420,000
- Predator resistance: Low
- Lifespan: 2-3 years maximum
Plastic Container Pen:
- Initial purchase: ₦30,000 to ₦60,000
- Annual replacement: ₦20,000 to ₦30,000
- 5-year total: ₦130,000 to ₦210,000
- Predator resistance: Medium
- Lifespan: 1-2 years per container
Concrete Pen:
- Initial construction: ₦350,000 to ₦500,000
- Annual maintenance: ₦10,000 to ₦25,000
- 5-year total: ₦400,000 to ₦625,000
- Predator resistance: Excellent
- Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper care
The concrete option costs more upfront but lasts 5 times longer.
Over 10 years, wooden pens cost ₦560,000 to ₦840,000 in replacements and repairs.
The concrete pen requires only ₦100,000 to ₦250,000 for maintenance during the same period.
According to research published by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), concrete infrastructure reduces long-term farming costs by up to 60%.
This data comes from a 2023 study comparing different snail farming methods across Nigeria.
Getting Quotes: Questions to Ask Your Mason Before Starting
Not all masons understand the specific needs of snail pen construction.
I’ve trained some masons at Odeda who now specialize in agricultural structures.
Here are questions you must ask before hiring anyone for your project.
Essential Questions:
- “Have you built snail pens before?”
- Experience matters for proper drainage and ventilation design
- “What concrete ratio will you use?”
- The answer should be 1:2:4 for structural sections
- “Do your rates include foundation digging?”
- Some masons charge extra for excavation work
- “How many days will the project take?”
- A medium pen should take 5-7 days maximum
- “Will you supervise the curing process?”
- Proper curing is critical for concrete strength
- “Do you guarantee your work against defects?”
- Professional masons offer 3-6 month guarantees
- “Can you provide references from past clients?”
- Always verify claims with actual farmers they’ve worked for
- “What happens if materials run short?”
- Clarify who pays for additional materials needed
Get quotes from at least three different masons before making your choice.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Quality work costs more initially but saves money later.
I made the mistake of hiring the cheapest mason for my first commercial farm.
He disappeared after day 3 with half the materials. I lost ₦150,000 completely.
Now I only work with recommended, verified masons from our farming network.
Legal and Safety Considerations for Snail Pen Construction
Building structures on your property comes with basic legal and safety requirements.
Most small-scale farmers don’t need building permits for agricultural structures under 10 square meters.
However, larger commercial operations might face different regulations depending on your state.
Legal Considerations:
Contact your Local Government Agricultural Department before building commercial-scale operations.
Some states require registration if you’re farming more than 1,000 snails for market.
This registration is usually free or costs less than ₦5,000.
It also helps you access government agricultural loans and support programs.
Safety During Construction:
- Keep children away from construction sites
- Cement dust can irritate eyes and lungs; workers should use masks
- Cover cement bags to prevent moisture damage
- Stack materials safely to prevent toppling injuries
- Never leave iron rods pointing upward; someone could fall on them
Environmental Safety:
Fresh concrete contains lime that’s harmful to snails and plants.
Wait at least 14 days before introducing snails to new pens.
Wash the interior walls thoroughly with water to neutralize lime content.
Add a 10cm layer of humus soil before stocking snails.
I’m not a doctor or environmental specialist, but these are standard farming practices.
For specific health or environmental concerns, consult appropriate professionals in those fields.
Where to Source Materials in Major Nigerian Cities
Material availability and prices vary significantly across different regions of Nigeria.
Here’s where farmers typically source construction materials in major cities.
Lagos:
- Best cement prices: Ojota, Trade Fair
- Sand and granite: Ajah, Ikorodu, Epe
- Iron rods: Idumota, Ladipo Market
Abuja:
- Best cement prices: Dei-Dei Building Materials Market
- Sand and granite: Kubwa, Lugbe
- Iron rods: Dei-Dei Market
Port Harcourt:
- Best cement prices: Mile 3 Market, Rumuokoro
- Sand and granite: Local quarries in Obio-Akpor
- Iron rods: Mile 1 Market
Ibadan:
- Best cement prices: Bodija Market, Gate
- Sand and granite: Apata, Challenge
- Iron rods: Gbagi Market
Kano:
- Best cement prices: Sabon Gari Market
- Sand and granite: Panshekara, Hotoro
- Iron rods: Kurmi Market
Ogun State (My Location):
- Best cement prices: Lafarge Factory gate sales (Ewekoro)
- Sand and granite: Obantoko, Sapon
- Iron rods: Panseke Market, Onikolobo
Buying directly from factories saves money if you’re purchasing large quantities.
Dangote and BUA cement factories sometimes offer direct sales to farmers at reduced rates.
Call ahead to confirm availability and wholesale pricing before making the trip.
Financing Options for Building Your Concrete Snail Pen
The cost of constructing a concrete snail pen seems high for many beginners.
Several financing options exist to help you start without draining your savings.
Bank of Agriculture (BOA):
- Offers agricultural loans up to ₦2 million
- Interest rate: 9-15% per year
- Requires farm business plan and collateral
- Visit your nearest BOA branch for application forms
Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Program:
- Federal program for young farmers under 35
- Provides grants and loans for agribusiness
- Application process opens annually
- Check NALDA website for current status
Farmers’ Cooperative Societies:
- Join local farming groups that offer member loans
- Interest rates are usually lower (5-10% per year)
- Flexible repayment terms based on harvest cycles
Family and Friends:
- Some farmers start with loans from trusted relatives
- Offer them a percentage of harvest sales as interest
- Keep proper records to maintain good relationships
Personal Savings (Recommended):
- Save consistently for 6-12 months before starting
- This avoids debt and interest payments
- Shows you’re serious and disciplined about farming
I built my first commercial pen using personal savings accumulated over 8 months.
No loans meant no pressure during my learning phase when I made several mistakes.
Once I proved the business worked, getting bank loans for expansion became much easier.
For information on agricultural financing programs, visit the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Development Finance portal at https://www.cbn.gov.ng.
They maintain updated lists of agricultural credit schemes and participating financial institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to build a concrete snail pen in Nigeria?
A medium-sized concrete snail pen takes 5 to 7 days to complete construction.
This includes foundation laying, wall building, floor casting, and curing time.
Larger pens of 3m x 3m might take 8 to 10 days depending on weather.
Always add 7 days of curing time before introducing snails to the new structure.
2. Can I build a concrete snail pen myself without hiring a mason?
You can if you have basic construction knowledge and experience with concrete work.
However, most farmers save time and avoid costly mistakes by hiring experienced masons.
Poor construction leads to cracks, drainage problems, and wasted materials worth thousands of naira.
If you’re determined to DIY, watch the process first by volunteering at another farm’s construction.
3. What is the best location to build concrete snail pens on my farm?
Choose elevated ground that doesn’t flood during rainy season.
The area should have some shade from trees but not complete darkness.
Avoid locations near noisy roads, generators, or loud activity that stresses snails.
Build where you can easily monitor daily and access for feeding and cleaning.
4. How many snails can a 2m x 2m concrete pen hold comfortably?
A properly managed 2m x 2m pen holds 200 to 400 mature snails.
This depends on snail size, species, and how much space they need for movement.
Overcrowding leads to stress, fighting, slow growth, and disease outbreaks.
I recommend starting with 200 snails and observing their behavior before adding more.
5. Do I need to cover concrete snail pens with a roof?
Yes, concrete pens need protection from direct sun and heavy rain.
Direct sunlight dries out the soil too quickly and overheats the snails.
Heavy rain floods the pen and drowns snails if drainage is inadequate.
Use thatched roofing, shade nets, or old zinc sheets elevated 30cm above the pen.
6. How much does it cost to build a small backyard concrete snail pen?
A small 1m x 1m concrete snail pen costs between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000.
This includes all materials, labor, and basic finishing in most Nigerian locations.
Prices are lower in rural areas and higher in major cities like Lagos or Abuja.
Add 20% more to your budget for unexpected expenses and hidden costs.
7. Can concrete walls harm my snails with chemical leaching?
Fresh concrete contains lime that’s toxic to snails for the first 2 weeks.
This is why you must wait 14 days and wash the walls thoroughly before use.
Add humus soil as a barrier between concrete and snails for extra safety.
After proper curing and preparation, concrete pens are completely safe for snail rearing.
8. What’s the cheapest way to build a concrete snail pen in Nigeria?
Start with a small 1m x 1m pen instead of jumping to large structures.
Buy materials in bulk if building multiple pens to get supplier discounts.
Hire local rural masons who charge less than city workers.
Provide meals to workers to reduce their daily rate demands.
Do preliminary work like site clearing and foundation digging yourself.
Final Thoughts: Is Concrete Worth the Investment?
The cost of constructing a concrete snail pen ranges from ₦150,000 to ₦800,000 in Nigeria.
Yes, it’s more expensive than wooden boxes or plastic containers initially.
But concrete pens last 15 to 20 years with minimal maintenance.
They protect your investment in breeding stock from predators and weather damage.
I’ve been farming snails since 2012 at Odeda Farm Institute in Ogun State.
My first concrete pen is still standing strong after 13 years of continuous use.
Meanwhile, I’ve replaced wooden structures five times during the same period.
The math is clear: concrete costs more today but saves you money tomorrow.
Start small if ₦500,000 seems overwhelming. Build one pen, learn the system, then expand.
Many successful farmers began with a single 1m x 1m concrete pen in their backyard.
One of my students, Blessing from Owerri, started with ₦180,000 in 2022.
She now operates 6 concrete pens and earns ₦150,000 monthly from snail sales.
Her first small pen paid for itself within 8 months through careful management.
The secret isn’t just building expensive structures. It’s learning proper snail rearing techniques too.
I offer free training workshops every quarter at Odeda Farm Institute for interested farmers.
We cover pen construction, feeding, breeding, disease control, and marketing strategies.
For more information on snail farming techniques and training schedules, visit the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science resources at https://www.nias.gov.ng.
You can also check the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security portal at https://fmard.gov.ng for agricultural development programs.
Remember, every successful snail farmer in Nigeria started exactly where you are now.
The difference between success and failure is taking that first step with proper planning.
Calculate your costs carefully. Start small. Learn continuously. Scale gradually.
Your concrete snail pen isn’t just a structure. It’s the foundation of your farming business.
Build it right the first time, and it will serve you faithfully for decades to come.
I’m Peter Ezebube from Odeda Farm Institute, and I believe in your farming success.
Take action today. Your future in snail farming starts with one concrete pen.






