By Favour Pius,Lagos
The price of eggs has surged to as high as N8,500 per crate across major markets in Nigeria, as a worsening shortage of day-old chicks continues to constrain supply and drive up costs within the poultry value chain.
Findings show that the supply disruption has significantly affected poultry farmers, many of whom are struggling to restock their farms due to limited availability and rising prices of chicks, a development that is now feeding into higher egg prices for consumers.
Industry operators attributed the shortage to a combination of factors, including high mortality rates among breeder birds, rising feed costs, and foreign exchange constraints affecting the importation of key inputs used in hatcheries.
A poultry farmer in Ogun State said the situation has become increasingly difficult for small and medium-scale producers.
“Getting quality chicks now is a major challenge. Even when available, the cost is much higher than before, and this affects production capacity. We are producing less, and naturally, prices are going up,” the farmer said.
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) warned that the supply gap could persist in the coming months if urgent measures are not taken to support hatcheries and stabilise input costs.
According to the association, reduced chick supply has created a ripple effect across the value chain, from farmers to distributors and ultimately consumers, who are now bearing the brunt of rising prices.
Market surveys indicate that egg prices have increased steadily over the past few months, with some urban centres recording even higher prices depending on logistics and transportation costs.
Traders noted that demand remains relatively strong, particularly as eggs are considered one of the most affordable sources of protein, making price increases more impactful on household consumption.
Beyond chick shortages, stakeholders also pointed to the rising cost of poultry feed—driven by high maize and soybean prices as a major factor compounding the crisis.
An agricultural economist explained that the combined effect of input cost pressures and supply constraints is creating a perfect storm in the poultry sector.
“When production costs rise and supply falls at the same time, the outcome is inevitable higher prices. Without intervention, this trend may continue,” the economist said.
The development is raising concerns about food inflation, which has remained elevated amid broader economic challenges. Analysts warn that sustained increases in egg prices could further strain household budgets and worsen nutritional outcomes, particularly for low-income families.
Stakeholders are therefore calling for targeted government intervention, including support for local hatcheries, improved access to finance for poultry farmers, and policies to stabilise feed prices.
They also emphasised the need to strengthen domestic production capacity to reduce reliance on imported inputs, which are often subject to exchange rate volatility.
As the pressure mounts, industry players say restoring stability in chick supply will be critical to easing production constraints and moderating prices in the poultry market.
Until then, consumers may continue to face rising costs for eggs, a staple food item that plays a vital role in Nigeria’s food security landscape.
