The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has issued a warning that the price of eggs could soar from the current N5,500 to N10,000 per crate if urgent support for poultry farmers is not implemented.
During a press briefing in Abuja held to observe World Egg Day, PAN’s FCT Chapter Secretary, Musa Hakeem, attributed the escalating egg prices to rising transportation costs linked to the recent fuel subsidy removal and the indiscriminate price hikes by feed millers.
Hakeem emphasized the critical need for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in egg production due to a significant decline in protein intake among Nigerians. He stressed that reliance on imported eggs is not a viable solution.
“If we factor in the proportional increases in these costs, we should be paying N10,000 per crate for eggs. However, out of compassion and considering the importance of eggs for health, we have kept the price at N5,500 for now,” Hakeem stated.
He cautioned that egg prices could rise to N6,000 soon due to the ongoing increase in poultry feed prices. Hakeem lamented the lack of governmental assistance, noting that the last grains intervention occurred three years ago. He expressed frustration that government support is only reported in the media rather than translated into tangible action.
He urged the government to collaborate with PAN in its intervention efforts, citing the association’s comprehensive data on poultry farmers in the FCT. Hakeem also highlighted the persistent neglect of the poultry subsector, stating that business owners have been left to operate independently, hoping the industry does not collapse.
Additionally, Jude Arikogu, CEO of Pest Agro Dealers, voiced concerns over the arbitrary price increases imposed by feed millers, pointing out that a 25kg bag of feed often weighs less than 23kg when weighed.
