PAN raises alarm over soaring egg production costs

• Published On: 21 October 2024 at 12:41

The Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, together with industry stakeholders, has expressed worry over the rising costs of raw materials for egg production, which are drastically raising egg prices.

They are pressing the federal government to act to keep the market stable.

Stakeholders emphasised that eggs, once a common source of protein, are becoming increasingly expensive for many Nigerians.

According to Nairametrics, in an interview in Lagos on Sunday, PAN Chairman Mr. Mojeed Iyiola blamed increased egg prices on growing raw material costs for bird feed.

He stated, "The price of a crate of eggs continues to rise due to the high cost of raw ingredients. Despite the government's support and an open window for maize imports, feed prices are not falling at all.

"This is because other raw ingredients used in the composition of bird foods are not subsidised at all.

"Although maize accounts for 60–65 percent of feed production, other materials are on the upper side.

"We continue to pay high prices for materials such as soya, methylene, lysine, and premix." So, the government's action has had little effect on the price of poultry produce.

Iyiola reported that a crate of eggs currently costs at least N5,000, with smaller packages ranging from N4,300 to N4,500.

He emphasised the pressure on poultry farmers caused by increased prices, notwithstanding a small drop in maize costs.

Other parties identified poor infrastructure, economic pressures, and environmental problems as major contributors to the current egg production and sales crisis.

The poultry business is facing issues due to rising production costs, which are mostly caused by rising maize prices, a vital ingredient in chicken feed.

The Poultry Association of Nigeria previously estimated that more than half of its farms would close in 2023, citing continued industry problems.