The Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State, and other stakeholders in the sector have lamented the incessant hike in the price of eggs while calling for the Federal Government’s intervention.

They also expressed concern that eggs, which used to be the cheapest source of protein, were becoming unaffordable for many Nigerians.

They made these comments in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.

The Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Mr Mojeed Iyiola, blamed the price hike on the high cost of raw materials for bird feed.

“The price of crates of eggs continues to rise because of the high cost of raw materials. Despite all the government’s support and the open window for the importation of maize, the prices of feeds are not decreasing at all.

“This is because other raw materials for the formulation of bird feeds are not being subsidised.

“Although maize accounts for between 60 and 65 per cent of feed production, other materials are still quite expensive.

“We still pay high prices for materials like soya, methylene, and premix. Therefore, the government’s intervention has not reflected at all on the price of poultry produce,” Iyiola said.

The PAN chairman stated that the lowest price of a crate of eggs from the farm gate was N5,000.

“We sold eggs in commemoration of World Food Day on 16 October at the minimum price of N5,000 per crate.

“The incessant price hikes have made the business exhausting for most poultry farmers.

“The lowest price for a crate of eggs is between N4,300 and N4,500, and this is for the smallest size. Regular crates of eggs sell at N5,000 and above.

“However, the price of maize has decreased to between N750,000 and N800,000 per tonne, as opposed to N900,000 and N1,000,000 a month ago,” he said.

Other stakeholders and traders of the produce attributed the dire situation for egg sellers and consumers to the lack of proper egg production infrastructure, human factors, economic constraints, and environmental factors.

An egg seller at the Boundary Market, Mrs Taiwo Bashiru, told NAN that she had been in the egg business for a long time.

Bashiru stated that the price of eggs had skyrocketed like never before.

“I have sold eggs for over 10 years, but never have I seen prices rise like this.

“Demand is high, especially among low-income households. The major challenge we face is inconsistency in supply due to feed costs and transportation expenses,” Bashiru said.

Another egg seller, Ms Bummi Olayinka, lamented that inflation had impacted the poultry industry.

Olayinka noted that a crate of eggs, which was sold at N4,600 three months ago, had risen to N5,600, depending on the location.

“The increase is attributed to the surge in poultry feed prices, transportation costs due to rising fuel prices, and high maintenance costs for birds.

“These factors have compounded production costs, pushing egg prices higher,” Olayinka said.

A consumer, Mrs Ajoke Folorunsho, remarked on the nutritional value of eggs in the human diet, stating that they should be the most affordable protein for everyone.

“Eggs should be affordable as they are rich in protein. My family loves them boiled. However, the price hike has taken its toll.

“I buy eggs regularly, but the prices have increased significantly, and many families can no longer afford them,” she said.

Another consumer, Mrs Ifeoma Okoli, lamented that many Nigerians were finding it difficult to include protein in their diets.

Okoli noted that the prices of meat, fish, beans, and eggs had soared in recent times.

“They are talking about eating one egg daily; how many families can afford that given the challenges in the country?

“A crate of eggs is between N5,900 and N6,000, while an egg is sold for N250 to N300, depending on the location,” she said.

An egg depot owner at Amuwo Odofin, Mrs Adegbite Samiat, called for government intervention in the sector.

“Government support for poultry farmers will help stabilise prices.

“Disease outbreaks significantly affect egg production as well. If the government provides vaccines and medication, it will reduce the risks,” Adegbite said.

NAN