The Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, alongside other stakeholders in the poultry industry, has raised concerns over the escalating prices of eggs, urging the Federal Government to step in with measures to address the crisis.
Speaking in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, stakeholders lamented that eggs, once an affordable source of protein, have become out of reach for many Nigerians due to a continuous hike in prices.
PAN Chairman, Mr. Mojeed Iyiola, attributed the price surge to the rising cost of raw materials used in poultry feed production, noting that government efforts to subsidize maize imports had not effectively curbed the situation.
“The price of crates of eggs continues to rise because of the high cost of raw materials. Despite all the government’s support and the open window for the importation of maize, the prices of feeds are not decreasing at all,” Iyiola explained.
He added that while maize, which makes up 60-65% of feed production, has seen a slight price reduction, other critical components such as soya, methylene, and premix remain expensive, further straining the cost of poultry farming.
“The lowest price for a crate of eggs at the farm gate is N5,000,” Iyiola said. “We sold eggs in commemoration of World Food Day on October 16 for N5,000 per crate, and prices continue to rise. The business has become exhausting for many farmers.”
According to Iyiola, the cost of maize has decreased to N750,000-N800,000 per tonne from last month’s N900,000-N1,000,000 per tonne, but this reduction has not had a significant impact on overall production costs.
Traders and consumers have echoed similar concerns about the skyrocketing egg prices, attributing the situation to factors such as inflation, rising feed costs, and transportation expenses driven by surging fuel prices.
At Boundary Market in Lagos, egg seller Mrs. Taiwo Bashiru shared that the current price surge is unprecedented in her decade of selling eggs. “I have sold eggs for over 10 years, but never have I seen prices rise like this,” she said.
Another vendor, Ms. Bummi Olayinka, pointed out that a crate of eggs, which sold for N4,600 three months ago, now costs as much as N5,600, depending on the location. “The increase is due to rising feed prices, transportation, and high bird maintenance costs,” she noted.
Consumers, too, are feeling the pinch. Mrs. Ajoke Folorunsho, a regular egg buyer, remarked that eggs, once a staple protein for her family, are now becoming a luxury.
“Eggs should be affordable, given their nutritional value, but the price hike has made it hard for families to buy them regularly,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs. Ifeoma Okoli observed that many Nigerians are struggling to maintain a protein-rich diet, with the prices of meat, fish, beans, and eggs all rising significantly in recent times.
“A crate of eggs now costs between N5,900 and N6,000, while an individual egg is sold for as high as N300, depending on the area,” she lamented.
In light of these challenges, Mrs. Adegbite Samiat, an egg depot owner in Amuwo Odofin, 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.
(PUNCH Metro)
Leave a Reply