The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has issued a warning that the price of eggs could increase significantly, from the current N5,500 to as much as N10,000 per crate, unless urgent measures are taken to support poultry farmers.
This warning was given due to the rising costs associated with egg production, particularly the high cost of transportation resulting from the removal of the fuel subsidy, as well as the frequent hikes in feed prices by millers.
Musa Hakeem, Secretary of the FCT chapter of PAN, made these remarks during a press briefing held in Abuja to mark World Egg Day on Saturday. He stressed the need for the Federal Government to urgently declare a state of emergency on egg production in Nigeria, citing a concerning decline in the country’s protein intake.
Hakeem argued that Nigerians cannot afford to rely on imported eggs, emphasizing the importance of boosting domestic production.
He explained, “If we were to follow the proportional increase in the prices of these factors, such as transportation and feed costs, the price of eggs would already be at N10,000 per crate. However, out of compassion and due to the health benefits of eggs, we have kept the price at N5,500.”
Hakeem further warned that the current price may soon rise to N6,000, given the continued increase in the cost of poultry feed.
He also expressed disappointment in the lack of government support for the industry, stating that the last intervention in grain supply to poultry farmers was three years ago.
He added that any other government relief efforts aimed at mitigating the high prices of food remain only as promises reported in the media.
