The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State chapter, alongside other key players in the industry, has raised concerns over the rising cost of eggs, urging the Federal Government to step in.
In separate interviews on Sunday in Lagos, they lamented that eggs, once an affordable source of protein, are now increasingly out of reach for many Nigerians.
Mojeed Iyiola, Chairman of PAN Lagos, attributed the continuous price hikes to the rising cost of raw materials used in bird feed production. He explained that despite government efforts, such as maize importation support, prices of other essential feed components remain high, pushing production costs upward.
“The price of a crate of eggs continues to rise due to the cost of raw materials. Although maize constitutes 60 to 65 percent of bird feed, other ingredients like soya, methylene, lysine, and premix are not subsidized. Government interventions have had little effect on reducing production costs,” Iyiola said.
He revealed that the current price of a crate of eggs at farm gates ranges between N4,300 and N5,000, depending on the size, with larger crates selling for even higher.
“We sold eggs for as low as N5,000 during the World Food Day on October 16, but many poultry farmers are finding the business increasingly difficult due to the unrelenting price increases,” he added.
Other stakeholders also cited challenges in infrastructure, economic pressures, and environmental factors as contributing to the ongoing struggles for egg sellers and consumers.
Taiwo Bashiru, an egg seller at Boundary Market, noted that she had never seen such a drastic price increase in her decade-long career.
In his words: “Prices have skyrocketed like never before, especially with demand from low-income households.
“Supply has become inconsistent due to high feed and transportation costs.”
Another seller, Bummi Olayinka, decried that inflation has had a significant impact on the poultry industry.
“A crate of eggs that cost N4,600 three months ago now sells for around N5,600 or more, depending on location. Feed and transportation costs, driven by fuel price hikes, have compounded the problem,” she said.
Consumers are also feeling the pinch. Ajoke Folorunsho, a regular egg buyer, stressed the importance of eggs as an affordable source of protein, expressing frustration at the price increases.
“Eggs should be affordable for everyone. I buy them regularly, but the rising prices are making it difficult for many families,” Folorunsho said.
Similarly, Ifeoma Okoli pointed out that the cost of various protein sources, including meat, fish, beans, and eggs, has surged, making it hard for Nigerians to maintain a balanced diet.
“A crate of eggs now costs between N5,900 and N6,000, and a single egg sells for N250 to N300 depending on the location. It’s becoming unaffordable for many families,” Okoli said.
Egg depot owner Adegbite Samiat, based in Amuwo Odofin, called for further government support for the sector, particularly in the provision of vaccines and medication to mitigate disease outbreaks that hamper egg production.
“Government support will help stabilize prices and ensure consistent supply,” Samiat urged.
With production costs climbing and consumers struggling to afford eggs, stakeholders are hoping for swift government intervention to address the crisis.