Nigeria’s growing economic hardship is pushing eggs once considered the cheapest source of protein beyond the reach of many households, as poultry farmers battle rising production costs and declining sales.
Across the country, poultry operators say the worsening cost of feed, transportation, electricity and other inputs is forcing many farmers to shut down operations, threatening food security and nutrition levels.
Industry stakeholders warned that the crisis could further deepen malnutrition, especially among children, as millions of families can no longer afford eggs regularly. Recent market surveys show egg prices have climbed sharply, with some retailers selling a crate for as high as N8,500, while farmers warn prices could soon hit N10,000 if urgent intervention is not introduced.
The poultry sector has struggled under inflationary pressure triggered by fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate instability and soaring grain prices. Farmers say maize and soybean key ingredients in poultry feed now account for the bulk of production expenses.
According to the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), many poultry farms have either reduced operations or shut down entirely because they can no longer sustain the cost of raising birds.
Farmers also blamed shortages of day-old chicks for worsening egg scarcity nationwide. Some hatcheries reportedly have bookings stretching months ahead, limiting fresh production capacity and tightening supply.
The impact is increasingly visible among consumers. Eggs, once regarded as an affordable daily protein option, are gradually disappearing from household menus as families prioritise other essentials amid the rising cost of living.
Data cited by stakeholders showed that nine out of every 10 Nigerian children already lacked access to eggs even before the latest price surge, raising concerns about worsening nutrition levels.
Poultry farmers have repeatedly called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in egg production and provide targeted support for the industry, warning that continued neglect could lead to severe shortages and greater dependence on imported poultry products.
