Support Poultry Farmers Now Or Else Price of Eggs May Hit N10,000 Per Crate -Poultry Farmers Association
The Poultry Association of Nigeria has warned that If the needful support mechanism is not given to poultry farmers in the country, the price of eggs may jump to N10,000 per crate from the current N5,500.
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde, Olufemi Orunsola
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has urged the Nigerian government to intervene in the poultry sector to address soaring feed prices that drive up egg costs, raising an alarm that the price of a crate of eggs may jump up from N5,500 to N10,000 per crate if the needful support mechanism is not put in place
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered this report from the Poultry Farmers Association, in separate events marking the World Eggs Days 2024 celebration floated in Abuja and Oyo State respectively.
In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, the Secretary of the FCT chapter of the Association, Musa Hakeem during a press briefing on Saturday to commemorate the World Eggs Day, attributed the increasing cost of the proteinous food to the high cost of feeds and transportation, warning that, if government fails to give the needful support mechanism to poultry farmers, the price of eggs may hit an all-time high of N10,000 per crate.
Hakeem made it known that the Federal government must declare a state of emergency on the production of eggs in the country given the serious decline in protein intake by the masses, noting that Nigeria cannot afford to depend on importation of eggs to meet the needs of her growing population.
Similarly, in Oyo State, the Chairman of the Association in Oyo State, Mr. Omidokun Oyekunle made the same revelation over the weekend during the 2024 World Egg Day celebration.
Represented by Mr. Wole Olulade, Chairman of PAN Ibadan Zone II, Oyekunle highlighted the challenges faced by poultry farmers, especially the high cost of maize and soya beans, which are key inputs in poultry feed production.
He noted that these rising feed costs have directly impacted the price of eggs and other poultry products in Nigeria.
"Governments must help us with inputs like maize and soya beans, which are locally produced. While other micro-nutrients are imported, we should focus on improving production of these critical crops," he said.
OTN News further gathered that Oyekunle pointed out that, maize is about 50% more expensive in Nigeria than in other countries, stressing the need for increased domestic production or regulatory measures to stabilize prices.
He however, suggested that, with support or price regulation, Nigeria can align better with global standards.
In marking World Egg Day, Oyekunle encouraged Nigerians to consume at least one egg daily, emphasizing that eggs contain all essential nutrients except vitamin C. He said, “Eggs strengthen immunity and enhance bodily functions."
Also, Ido Local Government Chairman, Mr. Sheriff Adeojo, represented by Mr. Bashir Adeshiyan, pledged the council’s commitment to supporting agriculture.
He assured that, efforts would be made to ensure farming inputs reach genuine farmers, not politicians, to ease production costs for poultry farmers.
As part of the celebration, PAN members visited Community High School and Nawarudeen Primary School in Ido, as well as the Primary Health Centre at Ologuneru, distributing eggs and promoting the benefits of egg consumption.
However, the Principal of Ido Community High School, Mr. Adeniyi Samuel, expressed gratitude to the association for its outreach.
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