Poultry farmers in Nigeria warn of a potential egg price hike to N10,000 per crate due to rising transportation costs and feed price increases. The Poultry Association urges government intervention to support the industry and improve protein intake among Nigerians.
Poultry farmers in Nigeria are sounding the alarm over a potential surge in egg prices, which could rise from the current N5,500 to N10,000 per crate if immediate action isn’t taken to support the industry. The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) cites rising transportation costs due to fuel subsidy removal and the unregulated increase in feed prices by millers as primary factors contributing to this alarming trend.
At a press conference on World Egg Day in Abuja, PAN's Secretary for the FCT Chapter, Musa Hakeem, urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency for egg production. He emphasized the urgent need to address the serious decline in protein intake among Nigerians, stressing that relying on imported eggs is not a sustainable solution.
Hakeem pointed out that while the proportional rise in production costs suggests a price hike to N10,000, they have chosen to keep prices at N5,500 out of compassion for consumers. He lamented the lack of government intervention in the poultry sector, noting that the last grain assistance received was three years ago. He called for greater collaboration with PAN in formulating effective interventions, as the association has comprehensive data on poultry farmers in the region.
Additionally, agro dealer Jude Arikogu highlighted issues with feed quality, stating that 25kg bags often weigh less, exacerbating the challenges faced by poultry farmers.
