Egg prices in Nigeria have surged to N6,000 per crate, significantly impacting household accessibility and nutrition. The rise is attributed to skyrocketing feed costs, and maize and soybean prices. The Poultry Association of Nigeria is urging government intervention to address these issues and support local farmers.
Nigerians are grappling with skyrocketing egg prices, which have surged to N6,000 per crate, up from less than N3,000 just 12 to 15 months ago. This steep increase is rendering eggs unaffordable for many households, leading to a significant impact on nutrition and meal preparation.
The primary drivers of this price hike are the soaring costs of poultry feed, maize, and soybeans. A metric ton of maize now costs N710,000, a staggering 48% increase from the previous year, while soybeans have seen an even sharper rise of 97%, now priced at N837,000 per metric ton. Additionally, the cost of poultry feed has jumped from N9,000 to over N20,000 per bag.
Pius Aminu, chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in the Federal Capital Territory, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, calling for a state of emergency on egg production. He warned that rising prices are leading to nutritional deficiencies and forcing many farmers out of business, resulting in the closure of hundreds of poultry farms and increased unemployment.
Sunday Ezeobiora, PAN president, noted that insecurity has significantly affected maize production, which has dropped by 50%, threatening the poultry industry’s viability. With inflation at 32.15% as of August 2024, consumer demand for eggs is dwindling, further complicating the crisis. Experts urge immediate government action to stabilize the industry and ensure egg availability for all Nigerians.
