Poultry farmers in Nigeria are increasingly concerned about decreased egg consumption, citing a mix of economic hardship, low consumer purchasing power, and what they call predatory retail conduct. The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State Chapter, has spoken out about the sector’s current issues, calling for immediate action to safeguard producers from excessive losses.
According to Mojeed Iyiola, Chairman of PAN Lagos, eggs remain the most affordable and accessible source of protein for Nigerians. However, he lamented the dramatic drop in patronage, which is not only affecting poultry farmers but is also indicative of wider economic issues in the country. Speaking during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Iyiola pointed out that the price of eggs directly from farms is relatively fair, averaging less than ₦5,500 per crate. However, retailers, in their bid to maximize profits, often hike the prices beyond reasonable levels, discouraging average consumers from making purchases.
He emphasized that while poultry farmers are selling at modest prices, retailers are known to mark up crates of eggs to ₦6,000 or ₦6,500, thereby making unjustifiably high profits. This, he said, not only distorts the real value of eggs in the market but also shifts blame unfairly onto producers. “When a crate is bought at ₦5,500, a reasonable profit margin should be about ₦100 to ₦200. Anything more is pure greed,” Iyiola stated. He further stressed that this excessive mark-up does not reflect the hard work and costs borne by farmers, who face numerous production challenges such as the high cost of feed and operational inputs.
Iyiola also pointed to the broader economic situation in Nigeria as a key factor in the declining consumption of eggs. He noted that many Nigerians are struggling to afford even the basic necessities, leading them to deprioritize protein-rich foods like eggs. While eggs remain affordable compared to other protein sources, many families have cut back due to stagnant incomes and rising costs in other areas of daily living. He suggested that this economic stress has changed household spending habits, making it harder for farmers to sell their produce.
Supporting this view, Joel Oduware, a poultry processor, added that the global economic downturn has further worsened the situation. He explained that even with schools reopening—typically a time when egg consumption spikes—the demand has remained disappointingly low, especially in parts of northern Nigeria. Oduware proposed that reducing egg prices slightly might encourage higher consumption, but warned that such a move must consider the cost of production to avoid pushing farmers out of business.
Previously, farmers in Lagos State received a temporary subvention from the government which helped lower production costs, but Iyiola revealed that the support has since been suspended. He urged the state and federal governments to provide more lasting palliatives to cushion the industry from collapse. Without this support, he warned, many poultry farms could shut down, leading to further job losses and nutritional challenges for the population.
The situation in Nigeria’s poultry industry highlights the fragile balance between production, retail practices, and consumer affordability. Farmers are calling on both the government and stakeholders to address these challenges to ensure eggs, a vital source of nutrition, remain accessible to the masses.
