Poultry farmers in Nigeria are facing a severe shortage of day-old chicks (DOCs), which is leading to a scarcity of eggs and a significant price hike. The price of a crate of eggs from the farm gate has risen from N5,000 in January to N5,500 currently, with some retailers selling them for as high as N6,500. The chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State chapter, Mojeed Iyiola, attributes the shortage to the unavailability of DOCs, which are essential for poultry farming.
The lack of access to DOCs has crippled the sector, with farmers unable to book for the chicks until December. The price of DOCs has almost doubled from N1,800 last year to N3,300, and farmers are given a five to six-month waiting period before delivery. This has resulted in a significant increase in costs for farmers, who must rear the DOCs for another four or five months before they start laying.
The shortage of DOCs is largely attributed to the government's decision to limit the licence for importation of parent stock. The government is currently engaging with stakeholders to increase the number of licences for importation, which could help alleviate the shortage.
The scarcity of eggs has also had a significant impact on consumers, who are struggling to afford the rising cost of the produce. A resident of Gbagada, Queen Olayimika, lamented that the cheapest source of protein was becoming out of reach for the masses, especially the poor.
The government's decision to limit the licence for importation of parent stock has severe consequences for the poultry sector and ultimately, for everyday Nigerians. The shortage of DOCs has led to a scarcity of eggs, which is a staple food source for many. The price hike is a burden on consumers, particularly the poor who rely on eggs as a cheap source of protein. The government must take urgent action to increase the number of licences for importation of parent stock to alleviate the shortage and bring down the price of eggs. This is a matter of food security and affordability, and the government must act swiftly to address the issue.
