Egg Prices Soar As Poultry Crisis Deepens, Nigerians Cut Back On Protein
A Staple Slips Out of Reach
ACROSS Nigeria, eggs—once a reliable and affordable protein source—are gradually disappearing from household menus as prices surge to record levels.
For families like that of Isioma, a teenager in a low-income household, the change has been stark. Meals that once featured eggs regularly are now rationed or eliminated altogether, reflecting a broader national trend driven by economic hardship and inflation.
Households Forced Into Tough Choices
With retail prices rising to between ₦200 and ₦300 per egg and crates selling as high as ₦8,500 in some areas, many families are being forced to rethink their diets.
Parents say they are increasingly substituting eggs with cheaper alternatives such as dried fish, crayfish, and cow skin, though even these options are becoming less affordable.
The result is a growing tension between nutritional needs and financial realities, particularly for large households and low-income earners.
Poultry Sector Under Severe Pressure
Industry stakeholders attribute the price surge to deep-rooted challenges within Nigeria’s poultry sector.
According to the Poultry Association of Nigeria, the shortage of day-old chicks (DOCs) has significantly constrained supply, with farmers facing long waiting periods of up to five months to restock.
Rising feed costs—driven largely by increases in maize and soybean prices—account for up to 70 per cent of production expenses, further squeezing farmers’ margins.
Farm Closures and Production Decline
The crisis has already forced many poultry operators out of business. Industry estimates indicate that over 30 per cent of poultry farms shut down in 2024 alone due to rising costs and declining profitability.
Farmers who remain in operation face additional burdens, including high fuel prices, transportation costs, and unreliable electricity supply, all of which contribute to higher market prices for eggs.
A Widening Supply Gap
Despite producing billions of eggs annually, Nigeria still falls far short of meeting domestic demand.
With consumption levels estimated at just 60 to 80 eggs per person per year—well below global benchmarks—the affordability crisis threatens to further reduce protein intake among millions.
Nutrition Concerns Take Centre Stage
Nutrition experts warn that declining egg consumption could have serious public health implications, particularly for children.
Eggs are a key source of essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, and iron. Their reduced presence in diets is contributing to a shift toward carbohydrate-heavy meals, increasing the risk of malnutrition and stunted growth.
Outlook: Urgent Need for Policy Intervention
Stakeholders are calling for urgent government action, including support for poultry farmers, improved access to feed, and investments in infrastructure.
Without targeted intervention, analysts warn that egg prices could climb even higher, further deepening Nigeria’s food security and nutrition crisis.
