The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State chapter, alongside other stakeholders, has raised concerns over the continuous rise in egg prices, calling for immediate intervention from the Federal Government. They warned that eggs, once an affordable protein source, are increasingly beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
Speaking to Pathway News on Sunday, PAN Chairman Mr. Mojeed Iyiola attributed the price surge to the escalating cost of bird feed ingredients, despite government efforts to ease the burden on poultry farmers. He noted that while the cost of maize, a key feed component, had slightly dropped, prices for other essential materials like soya, methylene, and lysine remain prohibitively high, keeping the cost of production elevated.
“The price of a crate of eggs continues to rise because feed production materials remain expensive. Government interventions, including the importation of maize, have not resulted in lower feed costs, as other components are not subsidized,” Iyiola explained. He added that crates of eggs now sell at a minimum of N5,000 at the farm gate, making poultry farming increasingly unsustainable for many.
Other industry players echoed Iyiola’s sentiments. Traders and egg sellers blamed poor infrastructure, economic challenges, and transportation costs for the strain on egg production and distribution. Taiwo Bashiru, an egg seller at Boundary Market, noted that prices had soared to unprecedented levels, while Ms. Bummi Olayinka pointed out that inflation had further worsened the situation, pushing egg prices from N4,600 to N5,600 within just a few months.
Consumers are also feeling the impact. Mrs. Ajoke Folorunsho, a regular buyer, highlighted the importance of eggs as a cheap protein source but lamented the price hike, saying many families can no longer afford them. Another consumer, Mrs. Ifeoma Okoli, remarked that protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and meat have all become unaffordable for many Nigerians, with individual eggs now costing between N250 and N300.
Mrs. Adegbite Samiat, an egg depot owner, stressed that government support, particularly in disease prevention, could help stabilize prices. She called on the government to provide poultry farmers with vaccines and medication to mitigate the effects of disease outbreaks on egg production.
Stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to step in and support the poultry sector to prevent further price increases and ensure affordable access to eggs for Nigerians.
