The Lagos State chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has expressed concern over declining egg consumption, attributing the trend to weak purchasing power, economic hardship, and profiteering by retailers.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos, PAN Lagos Chairman Mojeed Iyiola said that despite eggs being the most affordable source of protein in the country, demand has dropped sharply.
He noted that rising living costs and shrinking incomes have made many Nigerians prioritize other expenses over nutritional needs.
“The drop in egg consumption isn’t unique to poultry products. Many essential items are experiencing reduced patronage due to the economic strain,” Iyiola said.
“Eggs remain one of the cheapest proteins available. At the farm level, a crate costs less than N5,500, but public perception sees them as expensive.”
He criticized retailers for inflating prices, saying their profit margins are often excessive. “A fair markup should be around N100 to N200 per crate, but some retailers are selling for N6,000 to N6,500, earning far more than the farmers themselves.
This level of profit is unjustifiable and contributes to the lower sales,” he said.
Iyiola also noted that while production costs have risen, they remain manageable, and farmers had briefly benefited from a Lagos State government subsidy, which has since been suspended.
“We’re still hopeful the government will introduce further palliatives to ease the burden on producers,” he added.
Supporting Iyiola’s view, poultry processor Joel Oduware pointed to the broader economic downturn and reduced disposable income as key drivers behind declining egg consumption.
“Even with schools back in session, which typically boosts demand, egg sales remain low in several regions, particularly the North,” he said.
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Oduware suggested that lowering egg prices could help address the supply glut in the sector, but any reduction must account for production costs.
“The entire industry is feeling the pinch of the global and local economic crises. People simply can’t afford to eat the way they used to,” he concluded.
