Nigerians could soon be paying as much as ₦10,000 for a crate of eggs if urgent action is not taken to support struggling poultry farmers.
This was the stark warning given by the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) during a press briefing in Abuja.
The association’s leaders expressed concern over the skyrocketing cost of egg production, which is being driven by a range of factors including rising feed prices, high transportation costs, and the removal of fuel subsidies.
The situation, they say, could soon make this essential source of protein unaffordable for many Nigerians.
Current Price of Eggs at ₦5,500 But May Double Soon
At present, a crate of eggs costs around ₦5,500, a price that many already consider too high.
However, according to PAN, this figure could soon jump to ₦6,000 and may even reach ₦10,000 in the near future.
Musa Hakeem, the Secretary of PAN’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, delivered this alarming news during the briefing.
He said, “If we should go by the proportional increase in the prices of these factors, we will be buying eggs at ₦10,000 per crate.”
Hakeem explained that the current prices are unsustainable and have only been kept lower because poultry farmers are trying to be compassionate towards consumers.
He added that despite the important role eggs play in people’s health, farmers are being forced to shoulder rising production costs on their own.
“We left the price at the current ₦5,500 because we wanted to be compassionate,” Hakeem said.
But, he warned, if nothing changes, the price of a crate of eggs may soon rise even further, making it more difficult for families across Nigeria to afford this vital source of nutrition.
Rising Feed and Transportation Costs Driving Up Prices
The sharp increase in egg prices is being blamed on several factors, with the removal of fuel subsidies and the rising cost of poultry feed being the most significant.
The subsidy removal has made transportation more expensive, which affects every stage of egg production, from feeding to distribution.
Feed prices, too, have shot up, making it increasingly difficult for poultry farmers to keep their businesses afloat.
“The indiscriminate increase in the prices of feed by millers is one of our biggest challenges,” said Jude Arikogu, the Chief Executive Officer of Pest Agro Dealers.
Arikogu also noted that feed manufacturers are not always delivering the full amount of product.
“A 25kg bag of feed is hardly up to 23kg when put on our scale,” he said, adding to the financial strain on farmers who are already struggling to manage their costs.
Government Neglect and Lack of Intervention
Poultry farmers are calling on the government to declare a state of emergency on egg production and take immediate steps to prevent further price increases.
They say the government has failed to provide adequate support for the industry, which has been neglected for too long.
Hakeem lamented that the last time the government provided any grain intervention to support poultry farmers was three years ago.
He expressed frustration that despite government promises to ease the rising cost of food, these interventions are “only read on the pages of the newspaper.”
PAN is urging the government to include them in any plans or programs aimed at addressing the high cost of food production, as the association has detailed data on all poultry farmers in the FCT.
“We have been operating on our own without the needed support,” Hakeem said.
He warned that without immediate government intervention, the poultry industry is at risk of collapse.
Farmers Struggling to Raise Finance
Another significant challenge facing poultry farmers is the lack of access to finance.
Banks, according to the farmers, are unwilling to lend to those in the poultry industry, making it difficult for them to invest in the resources needed to keep their businesses running.
Arikogu expressed concern that poultry farmers are unable to secure funding, which could further worsen the current crisis.
“The banks are not willing to finance us,” he said.
Without access to loans or other financial support, many farmers are unable to cope with the rising costs of feed, fuel, and other necessities.
This lack of financial support is making it harder for them to expand their operations or even maintain their current levels of production.
Nigerians Urged to Prioritize Eggs in Their Diets
Despite the challenges facing the poultry industry, PAN leaders are urging Nigerians to continue consuming eggs as a vital source of protein.
Ibrahim Lamidi, an ex-officio officer of PAN at the national level, emphasized that eggs are not only cheaper than meat but also provide a higher level of protein.
“We are trying to ensure Nigerians have eggs on their table,” Lamidi said.
He encouraged Nigerians to eat eggs regularly as part of a healthy diet, noting that eggs are more nutritious than meat and are still more affordable, despite the rising costs.
The Importance of Eggs in Nutrition
Eggs are widely considered one of the most affordable and accessible sources of protein available.
They are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D, and B12, and they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body needs.
Eggs are also a good source of choline, a nutrient that is crucial for brain health.
For many Nigerians, eggs are an important part of daily meals, providing a cost-effective way to meet their nutritional needs.
But with prices set to soar, many families may find themselves unable to afford this basic food item, which could lead to a decline in overall protein consumption in the country.
What’s Next for Nigeria’s Poultry Industry?
As the crisis deepens, PAN is calling for urgent government action to prevent a complete collapse of the poultry sector.
They want the government to provide more support in the form of grain interventions, subsidies, and financial assistance to struggling farmers.
Hakeem warned that without such support, the industry is at serious risk.
“We hope that the industry does not crash,” he said.
For now, the future of Nigeria’s poultry industry remains uncertain.