The Nigerian poultry industry is on the brink of a major crisis, as farmers warn of a sharp increase in egg prices that could see the cost of a crate rise from N5,500 to as much as N10,000. The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has attributed this looming price surge to several factors, including rising transportation costs due to the removal of fuel subsidies and a spike in the cost of poultry feed, driven by millers.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark World Egg Day, Musa Hakeem, the Secretary of PAN’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, sounded the alarm, calling on the government to declare a state of emergency in the egg production sector. He emphasized that without immediate and effective intervention, the industry would be unable to sustain current prices, inevitably leading to significant hikes that would worsen the already declining rate of protein consumption among Nigerians.
“The proportional rise in production costs points to a price of N10,000 per crate, but we have kept prices at N5,500 out of consideration for consumers,” Hakeem stated. He highlighted that poultry farmers have been absorbing the increased costs to avoid transferring the burden to consumers, but this strategy is no longer sustainable. Hakeem also expressed concerns over the lack of consistent government support, revealing that the last substantial assistance in the form of grain supplies was received three years ago.
Hakeem urged stronger collaboration between the government and PAN, stressing that the association holds extensive data on poultry farmers across the country. This information, he noted, could be vital in developing targeted and effective intervention strategies to support the sector. He called on the government to implement immediate relief measures, including subsidies or financial support, to cushion the effects of rising production costs and keep eggs affordable for the average Nigerian.
Adding to the concerns, agro dealer Jude Arikogu spoke about the issues surrounding poultry feed, citing discrepancies in quality and quantity. He pointed out that some 25kg feed bags often weigh less than specified, forcing farmers to buy more feed at higher costs to sustain production. These practices, according to Arikogu, have compounded the challenges faced by farmers, many of whom are already struggling to remain operational.
The potential rise in egg prices has significant implications for food security in Nigeria, where eggs serve as an affordable source of protein for many households. A price hike would make eggs less accessible, exacerbating malnutrition and food scarcity issues across the nation. PAN’s warning underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges within the poultry sector to prevent further disruptions.
Experts say the current situation requires a comprehensive approach that includes stabilizing feed prices, improving transportation infrastructure, and providing direct support to farmers. If left unaddressed, the sector’s decline could lead to widespread job losses, reduced egg production, and increased reliance on imports, further straining Nigeria’s economy.
As the government considers its next steps, stakeholders in the poultry industry hope for swift action to stabilize the sector. PAN has reiterated its commitment to working with the authorities to ensure that essential protein sources like eggs remain within reach for Nigerians but emphasized that immediate and decisive measures are needed to avert the impending crisis.
