Egg prices have skyrocketed nationwide, with a crate now selling for as much as ₦8,500 in some shops. The sharp increase in prices is largely attributed to a shortage of day-old chicks, which has resulted in a significant reduction in poultry production across the country. At the farm level, eggs are now being sold for about ₦5,500 per crate, up from ₦5,000 in January 2026. Retail prices vary, ranging from ₦6,000 to ₦6,500 depending on the size of the eggs. In supermarkets and large stores, prices are even higher, ranging from ₦7,000 to ₦8,500 due to additional costs such as transportation and operations.
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has attributed the shortage of day-old chicks to fully booked hatcheries, making it challenging for farmers to obtain new chicks after their old birds stop laying eggs. According to Mojeed Iyiola, the Lagos chairman of PAN, farmers may have to wait up to six months before getting chicks. This delay affects production as chicks need time to grow before they can start laying eggs. The cost of chicks has also increased sharply, rising from about ₦1,800 last year to around ₦3,300 now. This has made it more expensive for farmers to continue or expand their businesses.
Industry players have pointed out that government restrictions on importing breeding birds are part of the problem. These birds are needed to produce chicks locally. They are urging the Federal Government to increase import licences or allow direct importation of chicks to improve supply. Higher fuel prices have also increased transportation costs, pushing egg prices even higher. As a result, many Nigerians are finding it harder to afford eggs, which are usually one of the cheapest sources of protein.
The recent surge in egg prices is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria's poultry industry. The shortage of day-old chicks and the resulting increase in production costs are having a direct impact on consumers, who are struggling to afford one of the cheapest sources of protein. The Poultry Association of Nigeria's call for the Federal Government to increase import licences or allow direct importation of chicks is a reasonable one, given the current constraints. The government must act swiftly to address these issues and ensure that the poultry industry is able to meet the country's protein needs. For many Nigerians, the affordability of eggs is a matter of food security, and the government's response to this crisis will have far-reaching implications.
