Nigerians In Panic As Egg Prices Set To Skyrocket To N10,000 Per Crate – Poultry Farmers Warn

Nigerians In Panic As Egg Prices Set To Skyrocket To N10,000 Per Crate – Poultry Farmers Warn Written By Oshiobugie John The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has sounded an alarm, cautioning that the price of eggs could skyrocket from the current N5,500 to a staggering N10,000 per crate if urgent measures aren’t taken to support struggling poultry farmers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The association attributed the looming hike to several factors, including the rising cost of transportation driven by the removal of fuel subsidies, and the continuous increase in the prices of poultry feed by millers. These mounting expenses are placing immense pressure on egg producers.

Musa Hakeem, the Secretary of PAN’s FCT Chapter, raised the concern during a press briefing held in Abuja to mark World Egg Day. He urged the federal government to take immediate action by declaring a state of emergency on egg production, emphasizing the critical role eggs play in Nigeria’s protein intake. Hakeem expressed that depending on imported eggs is unsustainable, given the declining local production.

“If we factor in the proportional rise in transportation and feed costs, eggs should cost N10,000 per crate,” Hakeem explained. “However, out of compassion and an understanding of eggs’ essential role in health, we have kept the price at N5,500 for now.”

Despite their efforts to keep prices down, Hakeem warned that the cost of eggs might rise to N6,000 soon, especially if the increasing prices of feed continue unchecked. He lamented that the last time farmers received any grain intervention from the government was three years ago, and any supposed government relief has largely been seen in the media rather than felt on the ground.

He called on the government to actively involve PAN in their agricultural interventions, stressing that PAN holds comprehensive data on all poultry farmers in the FCT. The neglect of the poultry sector, Hakeem added, is worrisome, as farmers have been left to operate on their own with minimal government support, risking the potential collapse of the industry.

Jude Arikogu, the CEO of Pest Agro Dealers, echoed Hakeem’s concerns, criticizing the erratic increases in feed prices by millers. He also highlighted issues with underweight feed bags, explaining that a supposed 25kg bag often weighs less than 23kg when measured on a scale, adding yet another layer of difficulty for farmers struggling to stay afloat.

If these issues are not swiftly addressed, Nigeria’s egg supply may face a serious crisis, further driving up prices and exacerbating food insecurity in the country.