 in Lagos State, along with other industry stakeholders, has expressed serious concerns.){kind=link}
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Lagos State, along with other industry stakeholders, has expressed serious concerns over the sharp increase in egg prices, urging the Federal Government to intervene with effective measures to alleviate the crisis.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, stakeholders lamented that eggs, previously an affordable source of protein, have now become unaffordable for many Nigerians due to persistent price hikes.
PAN Chairman Mr. Mojeed Iyiola attributed the surge in egg prices to the rising costs of raw materials for poultry feed production. He noted that government efforts to subsidize maize imports have not significantly alleviated the issue.
“The price of crates of eggs continues to climb because of the high cost of raw materials. Despite the government’s support and the opening for maize imports, feed prices remain high,” Iyiola explained.
He pointed out that while the price of maize, which constitutes 60-65% of feed production, has slightly decreased, other essential components such as soya, methylene, and premix remain costly, further complicating poultry farming.
“The lowest price for a crate of eggs at the farm gate is N5,000,” Iyiola stated. “We sold eggs for N5,000 per crate in commemoration of World Food Day on October 16, and prices continue to escalate. This situation is becoming exhausting for many farmers.”
Iyiola mentioned that the cost of maize has fallen to between N750,000 and N800,000 per tonne, down from last month’s N900,000 to N1,000,000 per tonne. However, this reduction has not made a significant impact on overall production costs.
Traders and consumers have echoed similar concerns, linking the skyrocketing egg prices to inflation, increasing feed costs, and transportation expenses driven by rising fuel prices.
At Boundary Market in Lagos, egg seller Mrs. Taiwo Bashiru noted that the current price surge is unprecedented in her decade of selling eggs. “In my 10 years of selling eggs, I have never seen prices rise like this,” she said.
Another vendor, Ms. Bummi Olayinka, highlighted that a crate of eggs, which sold for N4,600 three months ago, now costs up to N5,600, depending on the location. “The increase is due to rising feed prices, transportation costs, and high bird maintenance expenses,” she added.
Consumers are also feeling the financial strain. Regular egg buyer Mrs. Ajoke Folorunsho remarked that eggs, once a staple protein for her family, are becoming a luxury. “Eggs should be affordable given their nutritional value, but the price hike has made it difficult for families to purchase them regularly,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs. Ifeoma Okoli noted that many Nigerians are struggling to maintain a protein-rich diet, with prices for meat, fish, beans, and eggs all rising significantly. “A crate of eggs now costs between N5,900 and N6,000, while an individual egg can be sold for as much as N300, depending on the area,” she lamented.
In light of these challenges, egg depot owner Mrs. Adegbite Samiat from Amuwo Odofin has called for urgent government intervention to support poultry farmers and stabilize egg prices. “If the government can assist with vaccines and medications, it would help mitigate disease outbreaks and reduce risks in egg production,” she suggested.