Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has warned that if urgent steps are not taken to support poultry farmers, prices of eggs may increase from the current N5,500 to N10,000 per crate.
They attributed the rising cost of the protein to high cost of transportation as a result of fuel subsidy removal as well as indiscriminate increase in prices of feed by the millers.
The Secretary of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Musa Hakeem, shared these important observations during a press briefing that was held to mark World Egg Day on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
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During this briefing, Hakeem made a strong point about the urgent need for the federal government to officially declare a state of emergency concerning egg production. He expressed serious concerns about the noticeable decline in protein consumption among the people of Nigeria, emphasizing that this situation is quite alarming. He explained that it is not acceptable for the country to depend on imported eggs, as doing so could lead to various challenges and potential food insecurity.
Hakeem further illustrated the seriousness of the situation by pointing out the rapidly increasing costs associated with egg production. He explained that if we take into account the proportionate rise in the prices of the essential resources and inputs needed for egg production, people would be facing prices as high as N10,000 for a crate of eggs. Despite these rising costs, he noted that, out of compassion for the public and an understanding of the critical role that eggs play in ensuring good health and nutrition, the decision has been made to keep the selling price at its current level of N5,500 per crate. This decision reflects a commitment to making eggs more affordable for everyone, highlighting the necessity of accessible protein sources in the diets of Nigerians.