Egg Prices Could Reach N10,000, Poultry Farmers Warn

Poultry farmers in Nigeria have sounded the alarm about a looming increase in egg prices, warning that the current price of N5,500 per crate could rise to as high as N10,000. The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has attributed this potential hike to the rising costs of transportation following the removal of fuel subsidies, along with a significant increase in feed prices driven by millers.

During a press conference in Abuja held to mark World Egg Day, Musa Hakeem, Secretary of PAN’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, called for urgent government intervention, urging the declaration of a state of emergency in the egg production sector. He warned that without swift action, the price hike would be inevitable, further worsening the already declining protein consumption rates among Nigerians.

“The proportional rise in production costs points to a price of N10,000 per crate, but we have kept prices at N5,500 out of consideration for consumers,” Hakeem stated. He also expressed concern over the lack of substantial government support, noting that the last grain assistance provided to poultry farmers was three years ago. He emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between the government and PAN, pointing out that the association holds extensive data on poultry farmers that could help facilitate more effective and targeted support.

Agro dealer Jude Arikogu also addressed issues with poultry feed, noting that some 25kg bags often fall short of the specified weight, which adds to the financial strain on farmers already facing rising operational costs.

The poultry industry’s call for intervention highlights the need for immediate measures to stabilize the sector and ensure that affordable protein sources remain accessible to Nigerians, while also protecting local poultry production from further decline.