Nigerian poultry farmers lament over plummeting egg sales

NIGERIA – The Lagos chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) says egg sales are dropping as households struggle to meet daily nutritional needs amid economic pressure.

Speaking to reporters in Lagos on Sunday, PAN Chairman Mojeed Iyiola said eggs remain the most affordable source of protein in Nigeria. 

Still, purchasing habits are shifting due to declining consumer spending power.

He explained that many families now face tough choices between food and other basic needs, resulting in reduced demand for eggs across the state.

While the impact has hit poultry farmers directly, Iyiola pointed out that the situation is not isolated, as many consumable goods are experiencing the same trend under current economic conditions.

He clarified that the average cost of a crate of eggs at the farm is under US$3.60 (₦5,500), but consumers often assume they are more expensive due to price hikes at the retail level.

According to him, the perception that eggs are no longer affordable is inaccurate and is primarily driven by profit-oriented practices among middlemen and vendors.

Retail Prices Driving Consumers Away

Iyiola accused retailers of inflating egg prices far beyond the farm gate rate, sometimes charging between US$3.90 and US$4.60 (₦6,000 to ₦6,500) per crate.

He said the profit margin for retailers should ideally remain between US$0.07 and US$0.13 (₦100 to ₦200) per crate, but many now earn up to US$0.66 (₦1,000), which he described as excessive and unjustified.

This practice, he added, puts poultry farmers at a disadvantage, as they shoulder production costs while retailers earn more without contributing to the farming process.

Although raw material prices have influenced production costs, Iyiola said they are still within controllable levels for most farmers.

He also mentioned that government support in the form of subsidies had helped ease production costs in the past, but that assistance has since been paused.

According to him, farmers are still waiting for promised palliatives from the Lagos State Government to help stabilize their operations.

Consumers Cut Back Despite School Demand

Poultry processor Joel Oduware also weighed in, saying that even with the return of school sessions—a time that typically boosts egg demand—sales have remained sluggish.

He linked the situation to the nationwide drop in disposable income, which has reduced people’s ability to maintain previous consumption patterns.

Oduware said the economic downturn has made it difficult for many Nigerians to buy eggs regularly, even when prices are slightly lowered.

He suggested that moderate price adjustments could help address surplus issues but warned that any changes must account for the cost of production.

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