Fatima Muraina
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has expressed concern over the current egg glut affecting the industry and has called on the government to intervene urgently to prevent the sector from collapsing.
The Ondo State chairman of the Association, Mr. Fadipe Olawande, disclosed this in an interview with The Hope on in Akure
Olawande explained that a decline in consumers’ purchasing power has led to an oversupply of eggs. He noted that farmers have had to reduce egg prices from between ₦5,000 and ₦6,000 to between ₦4,000 and ₦5,000 per crate in an effort to make them more affordable. However, the situation remained unchanged.
He further stated that the cost of poultry feed remains high, and despite a slight reduction, it has had no significant impact on overall production cost.
Olawande attributed the egg glut to the nation’s current economic challenges, noting that many people can no longer afford to buy eggs. He urged the government to intervene, emphasizing that although farmers have not yet started discarding their eggs, they are unable to sell them below production cost.
The solution is for the government to come to our aid. The government can purchase the eggs and distribute them to children in orphanages or incorporate them into school feeding programs as a source of protein,” he appealed.
According to him, only government intervention can rescue the industry at this critical time.
Olawande also encouraged the public to consume more eggs, describing them as the most affordable source of protein, essential for good health. He compared the cost of eggs to that of soft drinks, pointing out that while a bottle of soft drink that once cost ₦30 now sells for between ₦400 and ₦500, an egg costs between ₦200 and ₦250.
“We urge people not to focus solely on the cost but to consider the health benefits of eating eggs. Everyone can consume eggs, including adults aged 60 and above, as the cholesterol in eggs is the healthy kind, and doctors often recommend them for the general population,” he added.