Nigeria’s poultry industry is in distress. Farmers are battling poor egg sales, rising costs, and declining consumer demand caused by economic hardship. Many poultry businesses are closing or downsizing as they struggle to survive.
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) recently reported that over half of the poultry farms in the country have shut down. Farmers blame this on the high cost of feed. In the last year, maize prices surged by nearly 80%, and soybean became over 50% more expensive. These increases pushed the price of a crate of eggs from ₦3,000 to as high as ₦4,000.
In Ogun State, farmers say taxes and levies have made their situation worse. Many now pay between ₦850,000 and ₦2 million in annual charges. Several farms have been abandoned because of these expenses, along with threats from herders and insecurity.
The economic challenges facing everyday Nigerians have only added to the problem. With inflation and subsidy cuts driving up fuel and food prices, many people can no longer afford to buy eggs. As eggs remain unsold, farmers continue to lose money.
The cash crisis that hit Nigeria earlier in 2023 made things worse. Farmers reportedly lost over ₦30 billion worth of eggs when buyers couldn’t access cash to make purchases. The loss forced many to cut staff and close operations.
Industry leaders are calling on the government to take urgent action. They want tax relief, feed subsidies, and policies that will protect local poultry farms. Without help, egg production may continue to fall, putting Nigeria’s food supply at serious risk.
