Crate of eggs to sell for N10,000 soon – Poultry farmers

Poultry farmers in Nigeria are raising concerns over a potential spike in egg prices, predicting that the cost per crate could rise from N5,500 to N10,000 if the government does not provide immediate support.

This alarming forecast was made by the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN) during a press briefing held in Abuja to commemorate World Egg Day.

Musa Hakeem, Secretary of the PAN FCT Chapter, attributed the looming price increase to several factors, including rising transportation costs linked to the recent fuel subsidy removal and the unchecked surge in feed prices due to millers’ indiscriminate price hikes. He stressed the urgent need for the government to declare a state of emergency on egg production in Nigeria, citing a significant decline in protein intake and the nation’s reliance on imported eggs.

Hakeem indicated that despite the pressures on pricing, farmers have kept the price at N5,500 out of compassion and a recognition of the health importance of eggs. However, he warned that unless conditions improve, prices could soon rise to N6,000 due to the escalating costs of poultry feed.

He lamented the lack of government intervention, stating, “The last time we received any grains intervention from the government was three years ago, and other assistance mentioned by the government is often just for show.” Hakeem urged the government to involve PAN in any intervention initiatives, emphasizing that the association possesses crucial data on poultry farmers in the Federal Capital Territory.

Echoing Hakeem’s concerns, Jude Arikogu, CEO of Pest Agro Dealers, criticized the indiscriminate price increases from feed millers and noted discrepancies in feed measurements, where a 25kg bag often weighs less than 23kg. He also highlighted the difficulties poultry farmers face in securing financing from banks, which have become reluctant to support them.

Ibrahim Lamidi, an ex-officio officer of the association at the national level, reiterated that the current business environment is unfavorable for poultry farmers, who are striving to ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable eggs. The collective message from the poultry sector underscores the urgent need for government action to avert a crisis that could impact food security and nutrition in Nigeria.